CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville High star running back Ahvare Galbreath had one goal before the season started. It wasn’t an individual accolade or a statistical milestone. It was to win a playoff game as a team.
Not only did the Wildcats accomplish that goal with a 38-7 first-round victory over Independence, but Galbreath also capped off the best rushing season in Clarksville High history, claiming the program’s single-season rushing and touchdown records with a four-touchdown performance.
The performance ranked among the best Clarksville head coach Isaac Shelby has seen during his time with the program.
“It’s way up there. I don’t know the numbers on it, but that dude went bananas. He’s a good football player. It’s way up there, man. It’s way up there,” Shelby told Clarksville Now.
After first-round playoff exits in each of the previous three seasons, Friday night marked a significant step forward for the Wildcats. Shelby credited the senior group, including Galbreath, for staying focused and continuing to work toward their goal.
“This senior group is incredible. They’re together, they’re feisty. They’re all too short, they’re all too slow, they’re everything everybody says about them. But, man, they played incredible tonight. I’m really, really proud of them.”
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While surviving and advancing was the ultimate goal, there was another storyline entering Friday night. Independence eliminated Clarksville in last year’s first round, giving the Wildcats an opportunity for redemption.
Some early anxiety built in the stands at Hilda J. Richardson Field as Independence senior quarterback Matthew Horner led the Eagles on an opening touchdown drive. However, Clarksville quickly settled in and took control.
38 unanswered points
The Wildcats scored 38 unanswered points and recorded three interceptions defensively to dominate the remainder of the evening. The triple-option offense worked to perfection, highlighted by a strong blocking performance from sophomore quarterback Harrison Smith, who added a 42-yard touchdown run of his own.
Galbreath credited Smith and the offensive line for helping create opportunities throughout the night.
“My line just getting downhill and my quarterback blocking great, they just did everything great. I just put a lot of effort into it. You know, giving every play 110%, just getting downhill and playing Wildcat football,” Galbreath said.
Although Friday’s victory meant a great deal to Clarksville’s seniors, particularly Galbreath, the Wildcats aren’t satisfied with just one playoff win. They hope to turn their first-round victory into a deeper postseason run while giving Galbreath more opportunities to add to his record-breaking season.
Their next challenge will be a trip to Memphis for a second-round matchup against 7-4 Collierville.
Shelby isn’t looking too far ahead. He knows his team will have to figure out the challenge in front of them.
“We’ll figure it out. This group doesn’t change a whole lot. We’ll just figure it out.”
Scoring Summary
- I – Matthew Horner to Ethan Willis 13-yard pass (9:24). Thompson XP.
- C – Galbreath 2-yard run (6:00). Richards XP.
- C – Richards 38-yard FG (0:39).
Second quarter
- C – Galbreath 42-yard run (2:12). Richards XP.
Third quarter
- C – Smith 42-yard run (9:15). Richards XP.
- C – Galbreath 2-yard run (1:24). Richards XP.
Fourth quarter
- C – Galbreath 13-yard run (5:00). Richards XP.
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