CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – There’s no secret what the biggest storyline is heading into Friday’s first round of the playoffs: Clarksville High has posted a 35-5 regular-season record over the last four seasons, but the Wildcats haven’t been able to get out of the first round.
Will they finally be able to break through their playoff slump in Friday night’s rematch with the Independence Eagles?
Game of the Week: #3 Independence Eagles (4-6) @ #2 Clarksville High Wildcats (7-3)
Clarksville suffered a heartbreaking loss to Independence on the final play of the game and will face the Eagles again in a rematch of last season’s first-round matchup. I’ve spent three restless nights trying to figure out who wins this game while trying to preserve my perfect 10-0 record picking Wildcats games.
I left Friday night’s 30-27 Clarksville win over Cane Ridge leaning toward Independence because of the Wildcats’ struggles throughout October. My gut tells me the Eagles are the better football team right now.
Clarksville Now’s Pick: Independence 17 – Clarksville 16
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(5A): #4 Memphis Overton (5-5) @ #1 Kirkwood Cobras (9-1)
Kirkwood secured the biggest win in school history with its region title victory over Henry County, but the Cobras have their sights set on more. Head coach Chad Watson said the next goal is winning 10 games, and his team has an opportunity to reach that milestone Friday night.
Memphis Overton has suffered a few rough losses in October, including a 49-19 rout against Brighton on Friday. Kirkwood should have little trouble taking care of business in this one.
Clarksville Now’s Pick: Kirkwood 42 – Memphis Overton 6
(5A) #3 Northeast Eagles (5-5) @ #2 Memphis Central Warriors (8-2)
Outside of our Game of the Week, I think this matchup has the potential to be the closest of the week. Northeast’s offense has been dynamic all season. The Eagles just needed to find some consistency.
After winning three straight games, Northeast has gotten hot at the perfect time. Memphis Central is a good football team, but the Eagles are more battle-tested after facing a tougher schedule. If it weren’t for the long drive, I think Northeast would have a good chance of pulling off the upset.
Clarksville Now’s Pick: Memphis Central 28 – Northeast 22
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(6A) #3 Rossview Hawks (4-6) @ #2 Brentwood Bruins (8-2)
Rossview drew a brutal matchup, having to square off against one of the state’s best pound-for-pound football teams. The Hawks put together a four-game winning streak midway through the season but finished with back-to-back losses to duplicate last season’s record.
I know Brentwood struggled against another state title contender in Ravenwood, but the Bruins will still be too much for Rossview. Good luck to the Hawks, but I’m taking Brentwood.
Clarksville Now’s Pick: Brentwood 35 – Rossview 14
(4A): #4 Montgomery Central Indians (6-4) @ #1 Pearl-Cohn Firebirds (7-3)
Another area team facing a tough draw is Montgomery Central, which has really struggled as of late. The Indians have suffered three straight losses by more than 20 points.
Pearl-Cohn is a bona fide state title contender and enters the playoffs as the No. 1 seed out of a tough Region 6. The Firebirds should win this one, but the Indians should still be proud of their six-win season.
Clarksville Now’s Pick: Pearl-Cohn 42 – Montgomery Central 14
Final Clarksville Now Top 10 ranking
- Kirkwood (9-1)
- Clarksville (7-3)
- Northeast (5-5)
- Rossview (4-6)
- Montgomery Central (6-4)
- Kenwood (3-7)
- West Creek (1-9)
- Northwest (2-8)
- Fort Campbell (2-8)
- Clarksville Academy (0-10)
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