CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville Academy starting quarterback DJ Merriweather displayed his versatility under center this past week. His quarterback play earned him Clarksville Now Player of the Week for the week of Aug. 22.

Clarksville Academy football hosted The Webb School out of Bell Buckle and won by a score of 41-7. The team was led by a five-touchdown performance by their starting quarterback.

Merriweather finished the contest with the following stat line: 168 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 115 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. In addition to his offensive production, he also produced 3.5 tackles on defense and a 48 yard punt on special teams.

2022-23 season

Merriweather is a dual threat quarterback, which means he can beat you over the top or on the ground. The quarterback has showcased his ability to throw the ball over the course of the past two weeks. Merriweather has thrown for a total of 352 passing yards and 6 touchdowns so far this season.

As for his ability to move the ball on the ground, he has produced 141 rushing yards this season. Nevertheless, he accounted for 82% of his rushing yards this past week.

“Coach Murray really mixes in read plays,” said Merriweather. “That gives me an opportunity to read the defense, and pull the ball and run into the open field if I need to. This past week our opponent’s defense had an overhanging defender that they put on the defensive line. That made it easier to read, and led to numerous open lanes.

“This senior season gives me the opportunity to get some looks, even though I just joined the program last year, and make it to the highest level that I can. I just want to be the best player that I can be.”

Coaches corner

“It is a coach’s dream to have a player like DJ on his team,” said Clarksville Academy head coach Scott Murray. “He is not only a leader on the field with his play, but in our hallways and community as well. DJ is elite in every aspect of life. He is also a phenomenal defensive player, can punt, and long snap. He is definitely one of the most gifted athletes anywhere.

“DJ is the triple threat of football. He runs our offense well because he is equally gifted passing the ball or running with it. The third thing is that not many players have the ability to make plays when things break down. That is where he actually does his best work.”

Clarksville Academy will look to extend their winning streak on Friday as they host Middle Tennessee Christian. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

Honorable mention

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

  • Fort Campbell quarterback Darin Frederick; 17-26 with 189 passing yards, 4 passing touchdowns and 57 rushing yards.
  • Northwest wide receiver Bobby DeMyers; 158 all purpose yards, 1 TD and 5 tackles.
  • West Creek running back Montell Richardson; 13 carries for 128 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • Northeast running back Khameron Athy; 10 carries for 111 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.

Week 1: Montgomery Central running back named Clarksville Now Player of the Week for 218 all purpose yards