CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – High school football in Clarksville kicks off Friday at Hilda J. Richardson Field with one of the biggest rivalries in the city taking place, as Clarksville plays host to Rossview.
In last year’s meeting between the two teams, CHS ran away with the game in the second half and picked up a 35-17 victory over the Hawks.
“It’s our biggest rivalry and we always look forward to this game,” Rossview head coach Todd Hood said. “It’s been a long 12 months since we played last and now it’s one day away. It will be a packed house again and a great game to watch.
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Last week in the 2019 TOA (Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance) High School Football Jamboree at Fortera Stadium, Rossview struggled to move the ball offensively and were shut out by Northwest 7-0 in their scrimmage.
Clarksville put on an impressive display against Montgomery Central in their game, taking down the Indians 21-0.
“Preparing for CHS has been a challenge,” Hood said. “They have a big line and several skill guys that can hurt a team if you don’t keep them in check. We have focused on those issues and stopping the big plays.”
This season, the Hawks will look to lean on the run game against Clarksville, as their senior running back D.J. Coffee returns from a knee injury that forced him to miss nearly all of the 2018 season.
“D.J. Coffee is healthy and has done a good job at running back,” Hood said. “Our sophomore DiiVonte Phillips has shown promise as well as Mark-Anthony Prescott and Terrell Arnold, so it could be anyone of these guys running the ball Friday night.”
The Wildcats will be led on both sides of the ball by their senior linebacker and running back Seth Phillips.
“Seth Phillips is an incredible player,” Clarksville head coach Isaac Shelby said. “He’s a throw-back type of kid and really tough.”
The Wildcats and Hawks will square off for the 17th time with Clarksville boasting a 10-6 record in the series.
“Rivalries are great,” Hood said. “This one is the top of the list. Both schools go all out and students go absolutely crazy and that’s what makes this game so fun.”
Clarksville has held onto the Warfield Shield for the last two years after defeating Rossview 15-13 in 2017 to regain the trophy.
“It has been fun to see the rivalry grow into what it is now,” Shelby said. “I hope it continues to grow.”