3 Clarksville football programs who need good spring to launch 2018 season

For some high school programs, spring football practices have come and gone. For others, they're in the midst of jump-starting the 2018 season while some programs have yet to hit the spring football field.

As teams have 15 days to get in 10 days worth of work, The Leaf-Chronicle takes a look at three programs in Montgomery County who struggled in 2017 but feel this spring is a jumping off point for a successful 2018 fall.

Kenwood Knights

Region: 7-5A

2017 Record: 3-7

Robert Gillard ended his first year as head coach of Kenwood never really establishing an identity on offense.

It helped that Donte Mayberry ran for 1,369 yards and 13 touchdowns, so going into this spring, the emphasis was on the Knights' running game.

"I didn't have a spring practice last year with this group," Gillard said. "I wasn't hired until the summer so I didn't get that opportunity to work early with my guys. But I know this year we'll be a running team because we have one of the best backs around (in Mayberry)."

Last year, Gillard started the season with freshman Anthony Smith but began to use a two-QB system Amonte Moss when Smith suffered some growing pains at the position.

How does Gillard handle the spot going into the summer?

"I'd love to have a No. 1 quarterback but if having multiple guys makes us a better team, that's what we'll go with," Gillard said. "It's about giving these kids the best chance to win."

Northwest Vikings

Region: 7-5A

2017 Record: 1-9

Northwest was the surprise team of 2016 when it ended a seven-year playoff drought.

But last year was disappointing as Northwest didn't win a game in Region 7-5A.

So this spring, head coach Vernon Wright has turned over a significant portion of his coaching staff and wants to limit distractions.

"I appreciate all of what the media does giving us coverage but right now we're going to limit that access a bit," Wright said. "It's nothing personal, but we just need to focus on ourselves."

Maybe the most important aspect of this spring for Northwest is Wright's insistence on getting back to disciplined football.

"Last year was disappointing," He said. "And I don't know that this spring is any more important than if we were coming off a winning season. Its important for morale."

Montgomery Central Indians

Region: 5-4A

2017 Record: 2-8

Quarterback Madison Murphy's torn ACL in the first game of 2017 doomed Montgomery Central. After that key injury the Indians were left scrambling and could never make up ground.

But with loss comes opportunity and Murphy's injury forced younger players to step up despite going through those bumps and bruises.

"We felt really good about our defense last year and we have almost everyone back," Central coach Jeff Tomlinson said. "We return nine out of 11 guys on defense so we feel confident our defense can keep us in games this fall."

That means Tomlinson and his staff spent the spring focusing on MCHS' offense. The Indians wrapped up spring practice last week.

So who moves into that all-important QB role?

"One guy that stood out was our senior, Jacob Key," Tomlinson said. "He started on defense last year and played slot sparingly on offense. He played some QB this spring and looked good, but if that doesn't work out he'll be a huge contributor at slot or running back."

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