CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Rossview Hawks traveled to Clarksville High School for the District 13-4A championship game between the two rivals on Thursday. An early goal from Damien Barnes in the ninth minute ended up being the difference. Clarksville goalie Sam Cunningham and his defensive unit pitched a shutout for a 1-0 win, earning a gold plaque to hang in the halls of Clarksville High.

Wildcats Senior forward Damien Barnes has been vocal about wanting to make a run this postseason, and he wasted no time in the title game, scoring in the ninth minute to take control of the contest early. The two teams played keepaway for most of the first half. While both had chances, neither found the net, and we headed into the half tied at 1-0 CHS.

Soccer players chase the ball on a grassy field during a match, with a white team player in center wearing number 10.
Soccer player in a purple and gold striped jersey jumps in celebration on a well-lit grassy field at night, mouth open in a shout with a captain's armband visible on the arm.
Soccer player in white jersey kicks the ball toward the goal as a defender in purple watches from nearby on a night match.
Soccer players contest a header as a purple-and-gold jersey player leaps to head the ball, white-team players nearby on a grassy field.
Coach hands a tablet or award to a soccer player in a white uniform (#13) while teammates line up to receive medals on a night game field.
Group of soccer players in purple and yellow celebrate on a well-lit field at night.
Soccer players in purple and gold uniforms receive medals on a field at night as a coach hands a trophy/tablet to a player.
Purple and gold soccer team celebrates on a grassy field, lifting a championship trophy together.
Soccer team in white uniforms stands in a line on a grassy field at night, two players hold a trophy/plaque.
Group of teenage soccer players in purple-and-gold uniforms pose with a trophy on a field, coaches on either side.
High school football team in purple and gold celebrating with medals and a trophy on the field at night, scoreboard behind them reading zeroes and ’Guest’/’Wildcats’.

The second half, while scoreless, was thrilling, with both teams battling to the end. From diving saves to amazing shots, everything was a near miss, a close your eyes and hope it goes in moment, but nothing could find the back of the net on either side.

“They stepped out and played our brand of soccer,” said Wildcats head coach Jeremy Sullivan. “Those last five minutes were brutal, but Sam was an absolute machine in the box. He stepped up and took care of business.”

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District 13-4A Keeper of the Year Sam Cunningham, as Sullivan stated, locked down his net, especially in the final minutes of the contest. The horn sounded, and the Wildcats dogpiled to celebrate a district title heading back to CHS. Both Rossview and the Wildcat will head to regionals, with the Hawks traveling to West Creek, and CHS hosting Henry County in the region semifinal and elimination contests.

“Clarksville defended really well,” said Hawks head coach Seth Ramsey. “The second half was better than the first; we just never recovered. We have to have a short memory and refocus.”

“I love these kids; they’re a pain in the butt, but I couldn’t be prouder of them,” said Sullivan. “The message is simple: it’s time to keep rocking and rolling.”

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