CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – “Hate on Exit 8” has been a budding rivalry over the last four years between Rossview and Kirkwood. Friday night saw the most competitive matchup in the series, with AJ Little-Hayes securing a third straight victory for the Cobras with a last-second interception.

There have been plenty of memorable moments in the short time the two teams have played each other. Just three miles apart on Rossview Road, the intensity of the first two matchups returned in 2026. The Hawks made things tough for Kirkwood and did a good job limiting the explosive offense of the Cobras.

Although Kirkwood’s offense didn’t hit its normal groove, head coach Chad Watson took positives away from the victory.

“Offensively, we had a sloppy week of practice. We had some adversity internally. We’ve got to refocus, focus on ourselves and get better,” Watson told Clarksville Now. “But it’s nice to know that we can learn lessons and still win games. Hopefully next Friday night, you’ll see a much cleaner version of us.”

Cobras quarterback Miles Reding dealt with discomfort throughout the game but was able to find Jayven Norris at the first-quarter buzzer to put Kirkwood up a score. That was the majority of what Kirkwood was able to get going through the passing game, a positive for Rossview’s defense.

The Hawks’ defense giving Rossview a chance to win was one of the positives Rossview head coach Stratie Young took from the loss.

“I think we did a good job of just fighting to the end, to have a chance at the end there to throw a ball in the end zone,” Young said. “If you catch it, you’re in good shape. If you don’t, then this is the result of it tonight. But to have that opportunity man, that’s what high school football is all about.”

After trading scores in the second half, Rossview’s resilience set up the biggest moment of both teams’ seasons. The Hawks forced a turnover on downs and drove deep inside Kirkwood territory with one more shot to win it.

With two seconds on the clock, Dawson Deer fired toward the back corner of the end zone and found Little-Hayes, who secured the game-ending interception.

Little-Hayes recalled the moment postgame. “They see me as a smaller safety, so they want to take advantage, but I trust in my skills and my ability to make a play, and that’s exactly what I did,” he said.

Scoring Summary

  • First Quarter
    • K – Jayven Norris 23-yard pass from Miles Reding (0:00). Hudson Marsh XP
  • Third Quarter
    • K – Montrell Perry 4-yard run (6:55). Hudson Marsh XP.
  • Fourth Quarter
    • R – Cameron Bailey 15-yard pass from Dawson Deer (2:12). Jacob Villa XP.

Ky’Ron Washington contributed to this report.

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