CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Rossview football is one of Montgomery County’s most intriguing teams heading into the 2026 season. Friday night’s scrimmage against Kenwood offered another reason why: The Hawks may have an X-factor at quarterback.
By all accounts, Dawson Deer has taken a significant leap heading into his senior season. Things didn’t start well for Deer last year, as the Hawks dropped their first four games before rebounding with four straight wins. This year, Rossview faces the same early-season gauntlet of Springfield, Kirkwood and Clarksville, but it won’t be the same quarterback under center.
“Honestly, I expect Dawson to be an all-region player. He’s come along a whole lot. He’s eager to learn,” Rossview head coach Stratie Young told Clarksville Now. “The more he starts, the more he’s going to grow and the more he’s just going to be that leader that we expect.”
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His growth was already on display Friday night against a talented Kenwood defense. Deer threw a couple of touchdown passes, but his legs stole the show. While quarterbacks typically aren’t asked to take unnecessary hits in the preseason, Rossview designed runs for Deer, including one that he took into the end zone himself.
That versatility is what makes the senior so difficult to stop, something Kenwood head coach Jarhett Snead has already come to realize.
“I’m glad Coach Young got what he needed to be successful,” Snead said. “The kid is dynamic. He whips the ball around very well. He runs hard, he plays hard. You can’t ask for anything else out of your leader.”
| MORE: Midnight practice sets tone for Rossview in 2nd year under Young
Quarterback to watch
The expectations surrounding Deer in 2026 aren’t based on one scrimmage. He improved rapidly as last season progressed, and now enters his senior year as one of the area’s quarterbacks to watch. If his development under center is as significant as coaches believe, the Hawks could be in for a breakout season.
“I’m expecting a whole lot more energy than we had last year. Last year was not the best year for us, as a lot of people know. Starting this year, we’re just setting the standard early, and we’re ready to compete this year,” Deer said.
As Young’s trust in his quarterback continues to grow, so too could Rossview’s offensive playbook. The Hawks could feature one of their more pass-heavy attacks in recent years, with potential all-region playmakers like Khyain Payne giving Deer another weapon on the outside.
The pieces are there. Now, Rossview will find out just how high Deer can take them.
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