MUNFORD, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville football travels to take on Munford Friday, Nov. 8 in the first round of the TSSAA Class 5A playoffs.

The two teams last met in the 2017 postseason, as the Cougars came away with a 42-14 win over the Wildcats.

For high school athletics every year’s makeup is different due to graduation and the ever-growing transfer portal. Despite having numerous players on the current Wildcat roster that played against Munford two seasons ago, Clarksville football coach Isaac Shelby doesn’t want his team team digging up the past.

“Two years ago, was two years ago and we do not go back to it,” Shelby said. “We had a bunch of sophomores play in that game that are seniors now, so they are familiar with the place. They know how physical and well coached Munford is.”

Shelby said he has learned a lot about his team during a stretch that has included four straight wins with many coming in blow-out fashion to close out the regular season.

“Our schedule was very tough at the beginning of the year and we took some bumps during that time,” Shelby said. “We think we have improved each week throughout the year.”

The Wildcat game plan as of late has been to lean on their offensive line and continue to try and pound the rock with Seth Phillips, keeping the other team’s offense off of the field and allowing their defense some time to rest.

“Seth has had a good last month,” Shelby said. “He is finally healthy now, but we have to continue to spread the ball around to be effective.”

After reviewing tape, Shelby shared some of Munford’s strengths that make them such a quality football team.

“Munford is very well coached,” Shelby said. “They are a physical team with an identity on both sides of the ball. They are a very good team and have earned this playoff berth in a very tough region. They are a proud community with strong tradition.”

In a win or go home scenario, Clarksville is approaching Friday just like it would any other contest. One game at a time.

“Our approach and preparation are the same every week the opponent does not change that,” Shelby said. “We are excited to get to play in the playoffs, but the approach to the game in terms of preparation is the same.”

Clarksville (6-4, 4-2) looks to advance to the second round of the postseason for the first time since 2010, as the Wildcats travel to take on Munford (7-3, 5-1) at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8.