CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Fort Campbell football hosted Fort Knox as the two teams collided for their annual Army Bowl matchup.
Both sides left it all on the field, and it was a defensive showdown from start to finish. Given that each school is apart of the system known as the Department of Defense Education Activity; it is fitting that defense dominated throughout the night.
However, it was Fort Campbell who separated themselves from their opponent when the night concluded. The Falcons scored 22 unanswered points to win by a score of 22-6.
Each team struggled to find traction on offense to open up the game. Miscues such as penalties and turnovers played into each offenses’ inability to find a rhythm.
The table below showcases each outcome for the first five possessions of the game. It wasn’t until Fort Knox received the ball at midfield that they were able to produce the first score of the ball game.
| Possession outcome | |
|---|---|
| FCHS | Turnover on downs |
| FKHS | Turnover on downs |
| FCHS | Turnover on downs |
| FKHS | Turnover (fumble) |
| FCHS | Punt |
The Eagles only needed one play to go the distance for a 50 yard rushing touchdown. The rush ended up being their longest play of the night, but also their only score of the game.
2nd quarter
After this point, Fort Campbell’s defense stepped up in every capacity. They swarmed ball carriers, shut down throwing lanes and held their own in the red zone.
This included making one of the biggest stops in the game during the second quarter. Fort Knox marched down the field, and set themselves up with the ball on their opponents one yard line with four downs to go.
The Falcons defense held the Eagles from scoring on four consecutive rushing plays. This forced a turnover on downs at their own one yard line. This is where the momentum began to swing in Fort Campbell’s favor.
The Falcons drive kicked off by narrowly escaping a tackle that would have cost them two points due to a safety. Thankfully, Keshawn Dixon had other plans and turned the rushing attempt into a gain of 7 yards.
Fort Campbell continued to feed Dixon on the drive, and he took advantage of each opportunity. During the next play, the running back found space. Dixon carried the ball for 26 yards and ended the run with a strong stiff arm that sent the defender flying.
Ultimately, nothing came of the drive because the offense stalled out in the red zone. Even with the team coming away empty handed, the Falcons built on their momentum and gained more confidence before the half.
During the half, Fort Campbell celebrated the life of Sam Green, who recently passed away at the age of 75. Green was one of Fort Campbell’s first students, and was the first quarterback for their football program. They also had Stan Nelson come out in honor of Green for the coin toss before kickoff.
Halftime
After halftime Fort Campbell wasted no time to tie the game. The Falcons received the ball at midfield, and Darin Frederick and his receivers immediately went to work.
Frederick went 3 for 3 while throwing for 49 passing yards on the drive. Dixon ended up finding the end zone for the score, and this was the begininng of 22 unanswered points for the home team.
The following drive Fort Campbell forced another punt, but this time they got a hand on the ball. The punt still traveled a good distance down the field, but the Falcons continued to make plays on all three phases of the game.
The two teams battled it out at six points a piece for an extended period of time. It wasn’t until Fort Campbell received the ball at the end of the third quarter, and went 57 yards yards on six plays to find their second touchdown of the game. After a successful two point conversion, the Falcons were ahead by 8 points.
Fort Campbell’s defense continued to hold Fort Knox in check, forcing four consecutive turnover on downs to end the game.
To cap off the victory, the Falcons scored another rushing touchdown to put the game out of reach. Dixon walked it in for his second touchdown of the night after a 30 yard gain. Fort Campbell won by a score of 22-6.
Coaches corner
“It was a tough battle tonight,” said Fort Campbell Head Coach Henry Mitchell. “Coming into this matchup, I told my team that the worst thing we could do is underestimate an opponent.”
“It feels great to get a win like this for the community, and this trophy has been gone for awhile now. I’m proud of our coaches, and the players that make up our team. I don’t do much, but I try my best to keep everything together.”
Mitchell dedicated the win the whole Fort Campbell football program postgame. Not just his current team, but those who played and coached before them.
The Falcons moved to 2-2 after Friday night’s victory. They are scheduled to host Mayfield High on September 23 for their next game.