CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The West Creek Coyotes football team traveled to Kirkwood High for a region 7-6A matchup with the Cobras, which determined who would be clinching their place in the first round of the 2024-25 postseason. In the end, Kirkwood High dominated in every phase of the game to win 46-0 and clinch their first postseason appearance in program history.
Kirkwood’s offense found a rhythm early in the game, which began with running back Josiah Claybrooks scoring on a 62-yard rushing touchdown. This was the first of a three-touchdown performance from Claybrooks in the first half alone. Then, the Cobras kept the momentum going in their favor.
“I think it started with practice Monday,” said Kirkwood High head coach Chad Watson. “They made their mind up that we were going to come out and play our best football. They worked their butts off, and it paid off tonight.”
A tough Kirkwood defense stifled the Coyotes throughout the contest as they weren’t able to put any points on the board. West Creek fell 46-0, eliminating them from playoff contention and ending their season. While they might’ve fallen short tonight, West Creek head coach Micheal Booker was proud of the growth from his senior class, regardless of the score of tonight’s game.
“Losing is never fun,” Booker said. “This game didn’t go how we wanted it to, but I’m proud I can send these seniors off better than when I got them. We have a program that develops strong men. There’s been a lot of things we’ve had to change, and you’re not going to see it immediately, but over time, we’re going to continue to get better. We didn’t get the record that we wanted, but we’re going to learn from this.”
As for the Cobras, they turn their attention to Bartlett High School next week for their first playoff game in school history. While Kirkwood compiled an impressive 8-2 record this year, they’re 0-0 heading into the postseason.
“This team’s goal ever since we came yards short last season was to make the playoffs,” Watson said. “We’ve been talking about it every day in the offseason, and it motivated us to get where we are.”