CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The last two years, the West Creek Coyotes have been runner-ups in the region championship games, knowing how close they were to putting a gold plaque in the halls of West Creek High. On Friday night, the Coyotes broke through, earning a Region 7-4A title with a 26-13 win over Dickson County, and a berth in the TSSAA State Tournament next week in Murfreesboro.

The Coyotes didn’t get it easy, as the Cougars jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the first half. Keeley Webb and Lilly Christian both caught touchdown passes from Cougars quarterback Brynee Snow, and Dickson’s short passing game was marching down the field for most of the first half. However, just as it looked to be all Cougars, Lewiana Merriweather connected with Nicole Cushenberry on a 70-yard bomb right before the half to cut the lead to 13-7.

Female flag football player in orange jersey reaches for a high pass on a sunny outdoor field.
Female rugby player in an orange jersey sprinting with a ball on a sunny grassy field.
Young female flag football player in a maroon jersey #2 sprints with the ball on a green field, pink cleats, pacifier in mouth.
Two female flag football players in maroon jerseys share a grin as they sprint on a grassy field, a referee nearby watches.
Two girls playing flag football on a grassy field: a maroon jersey player with a yellow flag raised, and an orange-jersey teammate holding a football.
Two female flag football players chase a loose ball on a sunny field: orange jersey #15 leaps to catch or block the pass while a maroon jersey #30 defender watches nearby.
Two female flag football players in maroon uniforms compete for the ball on a grassy field; one leaps mid-air while the other reaches out.
Girls' sports team in orange Cougars jerseys posing with a trophy and medals on a grassy field.
Coach being lifted by a cheering girls' team in maroon uniforms on a stadium field, celebrating a win.
Team of young female players in maroon jerseys celebrate, lifting a trophy on a sports field.
Girls' youth sports team in maroon uniforms pose with a tall trophy and medals on a grassy field after a win, smiling and making victory signs.

The second half was a story written by the Coyote defense, starting off with an MJ Anthony interception on Dickson County’s first possesion to set West Creek up in the red zone. Merriwether found the end zone on a quarterback keeper to tie the game after the interception, and the two teams headed to the fourth quarter tied. Blitzer Aliyah Godfrey heated up late with five, yes five, sacks in the second half alone, adding to the pressure that produced two pick-sixes to seal the contest, one from Anthony, and the dagger from Mariana Bowen.

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“We’ve been punched in the mouth a lot this year, but our girls have always rallied and found a way,” said Coyotes head coach Aaron King. “That’s the biggest step we’ve taken as a team over the last year is just being mentally tough. Game after game we’ve been tested, and game after game we’ve answered the bell.

The defense got a few more final stops, and as Merriweather took one final knee, the region championship was back home at West Creek for the first time since 2023, keeping the Coyotes record at a perfect 13-0. Now, the Coyotes are part of the elite eight in TSSAA 2A, and will play in pool play Thursday in Murfreesboro, before playing in bracket play for a shot at the whole thing on Friday.

“I’m about to cry, this is better than I ever thought it could be, all glory to God,” said King. “Those Dickson County girls are great, all credit to them, but our girls did their jobs today, and it was awesome to watch. It’s hard to put it into words that we’re finally here. We are as good as everyone in the state is; we just have to believe it.”

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