CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville Academy defensive tackle and offensive lineman Josiah Nowaski has been named Clarksville Now Player of the Week for causing havoc in the backfield against Ezell-Harding Christian.

During week 2 of the regular season, the Cougars traveled to Antioch to take on the Eagles. Throughout the game, it was a defensive showdown.

However, Ezell-Harding Christian overcame a two-point deficit in the third quarter with a touchdown, which turned out to be the winning score. When the game concluded, the Eagles defeated the Cougars 11-6.

There were plenty of positive takeaways for Clarksville Academy, including Nowaski’s individual performance. The senior rusher compiled 10 tackles, 7 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and 2 additional quarterback hurries.

In total for the 2023-24 season, Nowaski has 18 tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 3 quarterback hurries, 4.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble, according to Clarksville Academy head coach Steadman Bell.

Coaches corner

Bell told Clarksville Now that when Nowaski is able to dominate, it takes the Cougars team to another level. He added that from an offensive, defensive and leadership standpoint, the senior means everything to their football team.

Bell said that Nowaski is such a special talent because of his athleticism.

“He’s a freak athlete,” Bell said. “I make him run with the skill guys, and he can dunk a basketball too. He’s super athletic and on top of that, he’s also powerful. He can squat the earth and he can bench (press) pretty well too. When he turns it on like he did against Ezell, not a lot of guys can block him, especially one on one.

Clarksville Academy fell to 0-2 during their latest loss to Ezell-Harding Christian. The Cougars will look to fight for their first win of the season against Sycamore High on Friday, Sept. 1.

Honorable mention

Several other players had great weeks on the football field. Here are some that merit special mention:

  • Clarksville High Running Back Ahmoyre Galbreath – 17 carries for 119 yards and 3 touchdowns against Springfield High.
  • Kirkwood High Wide Receiver Gavyn Hunter – 76-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, 5 carries for 70 yards and 3 catches for 67 yards.
  • Clarksville Academy Safety Floyd Dodwell – 3.5 tackles, 2 interceptions, including a pick-six.
  • Clarksville High Defensive Tackle Donovan Bowles – 8 tackles and 1 sack.

Previous Player of the Week selections

Kirkwood High linebacker, tight end named Player of the Week for clinching team’s first-ever victory