Clarksville area high school football playoffs: 8 first-round questions

George Robinson
Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle

Four teams in Clarksville punched their tickets to the 2017 football postseason and will get a chance to make the best of their chances.

But what are the questions lurking for each team as the first round of the playoffs begins Friday night? The Leaf-Chronicle takes a look at two big questions facing each of the four schools that advanced.

Malik Santiago runs past Rossview during Clarksville and Rossview's football game on August 18, 2017.

Clarksville High

Can Wildcats thrive with no pressure on the road?

Only Clarksville's seniors have tasted postseason play. And not many expect CHS to come out of Munford with a win Friday in Class 5A, so playing loose shouldn't be a problem for coach Isaac Shelby's group.

Can CHS' 2-QB system deliver the goods?

Clarksville has rotated Skyler Luna and Ford Cooper all year and both have had moments of brilliance. But it's players like Bobby Jackson and Josh Watch who really make the Wildcats' offense go.

Clarksville Academy

Can Jason Longwell's return boost the Cougars' offense?

Longwell missed much of the season with a injured leg, but when healthy he is one of the best backs in the city, regardless of classification. 

Clarksville Academy quarterback Bryce Robinson tries to gain extra yards on his way to 148 yards against Zion Christian during their football game Friday at Austin Peay’s Fortera Stadium.

Will turnovers be enough for Clarksville Academy?

There's an easy answer to that most of the time: Yes. The Cougars have been through the gauntlet on the back half of its regular season schedule and its defense has given up a ton of points. But if the Academy can force enough miscues and keep King's Academy's offense off the field, the Cougars have a shot to advance in Division II-A.

Northeast

Will playing at home help the Eagles?

No doubt, traveling more than three hours anywhere to play anything is a concern. Southwind will have to do that as it faces Northeast on Friday in the 5A playoffs. Maybe sluggish legs for Southwind give Northeast an advantage.

Northeast quarterback Heath Williams

Can Northeast's offensive line hold up?

That's the key to this game. Northeast has the offensive talent to match up with anybody in 5A. Give quarterback Heath Williams time and he can carve you up. Give Gus Antoine, Chris Taylor and Quinton Cross space, and it's lights-out.

Rossview

Will Hawks QB Gino Avros be available Friday in Cookeville?

Avros was knocked out of the Hendersonville game two weeks ago and didn't play against Lebanon last Friday. Rossview will need his toughness and his ability to run coach Todd Hood's read-option successfully.

Rossview's Fred Orr, 2, runs with the ball as Dickson County's Dustin Allison, 88, goes in for the tackle.

How big can Rossview's defense play against the Cavaliers?

The Cavs have a running game that has been unmerciful. With players like David Gist and a dual-threat quarterback like Cade Smith, Rossview has its work cut out for it in the 6A playoff's first round.

Reach Prep writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or (931) 245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports