CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville High football travels to Northeast Friday, Oct. 4, as the Wildcats search for their first region win of the year.
Despite only having one total win on the season, Clarksville High football coach Isaac Shelby isn’t taking Northeast for granted and knows the Eagles are a much better team than what their record says they are.
“We do not worry about people’s record,” Shelby said. “That does not matter. We take each game individually and work that week.”
Freshman quarterback Jaiden Puig certainly stood out in his second career start last Friday, throwing for 240 yards and three touchdowns. Northeast football coach Brandon Clark said that it doesn’t take him by surprise that Puig has had the start he has to the 2019 season.
“He also passed for over 200 yards against Dyer County and threw two touchdowns,” Clark said. “With our big receivers Jalen Miller and Tomario Vereen, I knew that if we could just give him time, he could get the ball to them. He is a natural born leader, a great teammate and a very coachable player.”
Seth Phillips continues to carry the load for the Wildcats this season, recording an interception, eight tackles and 108 rushing yards last week against Dyer County. Shelby discussed the senior’s toughness and how he manages to play both sides of the ball at such a high level.
“Seth Phillips is a cowboy and he is as tough as they get,” Shelby said. “He’s a great leader and great football player. He plays so well on both sides because he started as a freshman and has tons of experience.”
Last week the Eagle defense had arguably its best performance of the year against a talented West Creek offense. This week it’ll have its hands full with the experienced and talented offensive line of the Wildcats.
“We have to stop the run against CHS and put them into passing situations,” Clark said. “If we do that, I think that we will put ourselves in a good position to win the game.”
Jaylin Bowser had four total touchdowns a week ago against the Coyotes. Clark talked about the junior’s big-play capability and how he excels as not only a ball carrier, but a receiver of the football as well.
“Bowser is a player that you can plug into a lot of different spots,” Clark said. “Every time he touches the ball it doesn’t matter what type of play it is, he could potentially take it for a score with one of his jukes or moves. I am just as comfortable with him running between the tackles as I am him catching a pass or running a jet sweep to the outside.”
Northeast linebacker Elijah Leaupepe stuffed the stat sheet with seven total tackles, a sack and interception last week for the Eagles. Clark has liked what he’s seen from the captain of his defense so far this year.
“He has been the leader of the defense all season,” Clark said. “His field intelligence has improved a lot. We know that he is capable of being one of the best inside linebackers around.”
CHS has dropped three games this season by eight points or fewer. Shelby shared how the Wildcats can find a way to start coming out on the opposite end of close contests.
“We have played a very tough schedule against some quality teams,” Shelby said. “Our kids have to relax and be confident enough to make the big play at the big time.”
Northeast (1-5, 1-2) hosts Clarksville (2-4, 0-2) Friday, Oct. 4.