Centennial (3-1, 1-0) at Northeast (2-2, 0-1), 7 p.m. Friday
The Centennial Cougars’ defense of their Region 7-5A crown from last season rolls into Clarksville Northeast this week.
The Cougars make the long trip to Clarksville fresh off a big 21-14 victory over defending 6A state champion Ravenwood in Week 4.
In that game Centennial did what it does best: it ran the ball effectively and played solid defense. Led by senior running back Zyon Lee (28 carries for 128 yards and two touchdowns), the Cougars outmanned the Raptors for 212 yards on the ground and three scores. They averaged 5.1 yards per carry.
Centennial goes into Friday knowing they have a good chance to pick up a second region win against a Northeast team that has struggled at times to score. Before a 34-point outburst last week against Kenwood, the Eagles were averaging just 14 points per game.
If the Cougars can bring the same defense it did against Ravenwood’s high-powered offense a week ago, they should be able to contain Northeast.
The Raptors gained just 247 total yards against Centennial in Week 4. Clay Carder led the way defensively for Centennial with 16 total tackles and a sack.
The Cougars will aim to establish their potent rushing attack early in the game, and if they do and keep their defense stout the game could look a lot like last year’s 42-14 CHS win.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Clarksville Northeast.
