CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – One of the area’s great football traditions was celebrated Friday night at Fort Campbell. The 50th annual Army Bowl kicked off with great pageantry and celebration, but the Falcons ultimately fell at home 29-23 to Fort Knox.

Fort Knox and Fort Campbell are the only U.S. Army post high schools in Kentucky, creating a rivalry that spans beyond football. The celebration of their shared circumstances began with a profound pregame ceremony, which included a helicopter landing at midfield and the game ball being delivered by a member of the 101st Airborne.

Fort Campbell head coach Henry Mitchell explained why the matchup is so special.

“It means a lot. This game comes from pride for both sides because it’s unique. We’re the only Department of Defense schools, so that’s special when we come together,” Mitchell told Clarksville Now. “On the field, we want to lay it down as enemies, but when the game is over, we’re family.”

Fort Knox jumps out to early lead in Army Bowl

Unfortunately for the Falcons, Fort Knox came out on fire in the first quarter, rushing for two early touchdowns and putting Fort Campbell in an early hole. The lead grew to as much as 20 points in the second quarter before the Falcons were able to get things going offensively.

It’s been a challenge for Fort Campbell to find a groove offensively early this season, with new faces taking on new roles. Isaiah Messer Cruz has taken over starting quarterback duties after playing exclusively at linebacker, while Mitchell has transitioned Karson McClellan from offensive tackle to running back.

The lack of offensive identity was something that stood out to Mitchell in the loss.

“Our defense did a heck of a job, but we didn’t help them out offensively. We kind of got complacent on both sides of the ball. At the end of the day, they were the better team,” Mitchell said.

Fort Campbell completes comeback before giving up GW touchdown

In poetic fashion for the two schools, Fort Campbell refused to give up. The Falcons climbed all the way back to tie the game at 23 apiece with just six minutes to go. With three minutes remaining, however, Fort Knox took over, and Ayden McClinton rushed for his third touchdown of the night to give the Eagles the game-winning score.

The Eagles came away with their third Army Bowl win in seven years and their first since Mitchell took the helm at Fort Campbell. Still, the Falcons’ fight back is something they can take forward.

“We came back and got back in the game, but you’ve still got to play four quarters. We didn’t do that,” Mitchell said. “We’ve got to go back to the drawing board.”

Scoring Summary

  • FK – Ayden McClinton 21-yard run (4:13). (kick blocked)
  • FK – Edmund Laboy 5-yard run (1:32). (Nappon Korawit kick)

Second Quarter

  • FK – Ayden McClinton 12-yard run (10:17). (Korawit kick)
  • FC – Hayden Wise 28-yard run (4:04). (Carlos Hermosillo kick)
  • FC – Antonio Knott 17-yard fumble return (3:31). (Hermosillo kick)
  • FC – Hermosillo 22-yard field goal (1:40).

Fourth Quarter

  • FK – Korawit 27-yard field goal (9:09).
  • FC – Levi Kruse 23-yard fumble return (6:09). (kick blocked)
  • FK – McClinton 44-yard run (3:38). (kick failed)

Ky’Ron Washington contributed to this report.

| SPORTS REPORT: Sign up for the new weekly Clarksville sports newsletter