CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – For the first time since 2021, Montgomery County has two football programs advancing to the second round of the playoffs. While both Kirkwood and Clarksville High had impressive performances last week, three area schools were eliminated from contention.
Here’s who’s still standing and what to expect from the second round of the TSSAA football playoffs.
Kirkwood (10-1) – Advanced
Kirkwood has already secured the best season in program history, but the Cobras have a prime opportunity ahead of them in the second round of the playoffs. They’ll face a 10-1 Nolensville team that has been just as successful this season. It’s one of only two matchups in Class 5A featuring two teams with at least 10 wins.
The biggest advantage for the Cobras is the opportunity to play in front of their home fans. It’ll be a tough matchup, but if Kirkwood can advance to the quarterfinals, it could be the start of a special playoff run.
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Clarksville High (8-3) – Advanced
Clarksville played its best football when it mattered most, advancing to the second round with a 38-7 victory over Independence. The rushing attack has been difficult to stop with Ahvare Galbreath in the backfield, but the Wildcats face a different kind of test this week.
Not only do the Wildcats have to face a tough 7-4 Collierville team, but they’ll have to travel to Memphis to do it. Collierville isn’t necessarily the unbeatable giant it has been in years past, but the road trip presents another challenge for Clarksville. These two programs have history, and if the Wildcats can get off to a hot start, they might just come away with a win over the Dragons.
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Northeast (5-6) – Eliminated
It’s been a season of significant improvement for Northeast, but the Eagles were unable to get past Memphis Central in their first-round matchup. Northeast’s season was highlighted by an explosive offense that won three straight region games down the stretch to clinch a playoff berth.
Although it wasn’t the finish Northeast was looking for, this is a season the Eagles can use to build momentum for the future. With quarterback Kayden Davis still a junior, there’s a good chance the offense won’t have to take a significant step back next season.
Rossview (4-7) – Eliminated
The story of Rossview’s season was its inability to find another gear and take the next step. There’s no denying the incredibly difficult schedule the Hawks face, as they finished with the same record as last season.
Rossview also drew a difficult first-round matchup against a Brentwood team that is a legitimate state championship contender and one of the best public school programs in Tennessee. The Hawks fell short, but with a more manageable schedule potentially ahead next season and several key pieces returning, Rossview has plenty to look forward to.
Montgomery Central (6-5) – Eliminated
If you’re trying to identify the most improved team in the area this season, it would be hard to look past Montgomery Central. The Indians won just one game last season before bouncing back with six wins and a playoff berth this year.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go Montgomery Central’s way in the playoffs, but it was still a season the program can be proud of. It’ll be interesting to see how head coach Wyatt Page puts the pieces together after losing some key seniors, but there’s plenty of reason to be excited about the future of Indians football.
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