This article has been updated.

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – It seemed there was almost no chance Kirkwood and Northeast would face off as scheduled Friday night. After a late start and two lengthy lightning delays, the Cobras came out on top 28-0, with the game being called in the third quarter due to a player collapsing.

The Cobras seemed content to run the clock down nearing the end of the third quarter when the Northeast player suddenly collapsed. He recovered and was able to stand up afterward, but both head coaches decided to end things before the fourth quarter.

CMCSS told Clarksville Now on Saturday the player was assessed by medical staff at the game, and he is doing well.

Kirkwood-Northeast game coverage

The scheduled 7 p.m. kickoff was pushed back to 8:06 p.m., but the delay didn’t seem to affect Kirkwood. The Cobras got a stop on the opening possession, and quarterback Miles Reding then found Jadon Portis on the other side for an opening-drive touchdown.

“We navigated the rain because of the attitude our guys brought to the table the whole game. We got a delay before the game, and we just came out with more energy,” Reding told Clarksville Now. “I just feel like we were the team that was more ready to play.”

Northeast’s offense came into Friday night averaging 35 points per game, but the Eagles couldn’t find their groove. Some of that might have been the rain, but Kirkwood’s defense certainly held them in check en route to its third shutout of the season.

After giving up just seven points through their first four games, Northeast head coach Deonte Weston had to tip his cap to the Cobras’ defense.

“They threw nothing at us that we weren’t ready for. They showed us the look. They knew what they were going to do. I tip my hat to Coach Watson, his staff and especially Zach Eaton on defense. He does a really good job,” Weston said. “They just ripped our butts up front. They whipped our butts in the box.”

With the defense continuing to get stops, Kirkwood leaned on its ground game to pull away. Former Eagle Montrell Perry led the way with 155 rushing yards, while Reding capped off two drives with rushing touchdowns of his own.

The Cobras led 21-0 nearing halftime before a loud boom of rolling thunder at 8:54 p.m. pushed the second half to a 10 p.m. kickoff.

Things get chippy, Kirkwood head coach speaks on lack of composure

Things got chippy when play resumed after the delay. A few Cobra players received unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, while Northeast quarterback Kayden Davis was ejected for throwing a punch.

A lack of composure down the stretch was something that lingered with Kirkwood head coach Chad Watson.

“Our message all week was, don’t do anything to hurt ourselves. We did a good job of not hurting ourselves early, then we got comfortable. Then we started going back to old habits, but we’re going to work hard to correct them,” Watson said.

What’s next for each team

Friday night was a measuring stick for Northeast, and it’s clear the Eagles still have things they need to put together. However, they’ll get their next chance against the Lawson Lightning, who are 4-0 to begin the 2026 season, next Friday.

Kirkwood, meanwhile, is feeling good with another shutout on the season and a win over one of its rivals. Still, a big test awaits the Cobras next week against 4-0 East Robertson, which handed Kirkwood one of its two regular-season losses in 2025.

“We have 24 hours to celebrate this game, and then we’re on to the next. We have a bad taste in our mouth from last year, and we’re excited to go down to East Robertson and play them this year,” Reding said.

Scoring Summary

  • K – Miles Reding to Jadon Portis 17-yard pass (9:39). Hudson Marsh XP.
  • K – Reding 7-yard run (0:49). Marsh XP

Second Quarter

  • K – Reding 1-yard run (6:00). Marsh XP.
  • K – Parker Keenan 1-yard run (0:02). Marsh XP.

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