2016 High School Football Preview: Clarksville

Clarksville may be in one of the most-competitive eight-player districts in Iowa. The Indians are hoping their quickness will make up for a size disadvantage against bigger opponents. Heading into 2016, ball security is another focus. According to Coach Chris Arians, Clarksville committed too many turnovers to be competitive last season.

2016 SEASON PROSPECTUS: CLARKSVILLE INDIANS (8-PLAYER)

2015 RECORD: 1-8 Overall / 0-6 District
2015 PLAYOFFS: Did Not Qualify

HEAD COACH: Chris Arians
School Record (Years): 13-15 (4)
Career Record (Years): 13-15 (4)

2015 STARTERS RETURNING (5):
Riley Cramer, RB/LB - 100 carries, 552 yards,  6 TDs // 43.5 total tackles
Dakota Garretson, QB - 16 attempts, 49 completions, 315 yards, 2 TDs
Tanner Gilbert, TE/S - 10 receptions, 212 yards // 27.5 total tackles
Adam Lovrien, OL/DL - 23 total tackles
Ethan Litterer, S - 35 total tackles

OTHER 2015 LETTERWINNERS RETURNING (10):
Brayden Klunder
Chris Nelson
Matt Nelson
Sterling Kroeze
Spencer Gray
Drew Kromminga
Blake Johnson
Pacen Hendricks
James Jacobsen
Cole Pierce

KEY LOSSES FROM 2015 SEASON:

Zach Sommerfelt, RB/LB - 780 total offensive yards, 12 TDs // 49 total tackles
James Schellhorn, TE/LB - 7 receptions, 126 yards // 69.5 total tackles

HOW COACH ARIANS VIEWS UPCOMING SEASON

Team Strength Entering 2016:
Speed. According to Coach Arians, 15 or 16 players could play during any game.

Concerns Heading Into 2016:
Size. According to Coach Arians, this is the smallest team he has coached. "Hopefully we can make up for our lack of size with some of our speed," he said.

Opponents Expected To Compete For District Title In 2016:
Turkey Valley and North Iowa are the favorites in a district Coach Arians feels will be very competitive. "There will be no easy games," he said.

Expectations For 2016 Season:
"We will need to focus on taking care of the football. We had too many turnovers last season to be competitive. Defensively, we need to make sure we are wrapping up and finishing tackles, as well as forcing turnovers."