Creek Wood picked up it’s first Class 6-4A win of the season and improved to 3-4 by hanging on and beating Hillwood 36-34 Friday. It was a win the Red Hawks could not afford to give up, as it keeps them alive in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Here’s four takeaways from the game.

Getting over the hump: The Red Hawks have already had two close losses this year to Montgomery Central (38-33) and Cheatham County (30-28) that they could have just as easily won as they did lose. Being able to close out a game like this, especially in region play, should give the Red Hawks confidence moving into the final third of the season.

“We finally got over the hump and won one of these close games,” said Creek Wood coach Chuck Daniel.

“We made some defensive stops,and our offense came in big spots when we needed them. It’s a credit to the kids and coaches. They were resilient.”

Mayberry’s momentum: Quarterback Devon Higgins put the Red Hawks within one on a 20-yard keeper in the fourth quarter. Before the point-after was attempted, Hillwood was called for offside. This moved the Red Hawks to the one, and fullback Kobe Mayberry pounded it in to give Creek Wood the 22-21 lead. It was their first lead of the night, and would be one they never relinquished.

Pooleing the load: It was another big night for running back Quinton Poole. The senior eclipsed the 200-yard rushing mark, going for 211 and two scores on the ground.

Playoff hopes alive: Creek Wood will have two more region games this year. If the Red Hawks can win out, there’s a good possibility they could be playing in week 11.

“You’ve got to win your region games, and we won this one,” said Daniel.

“Any region win is a big win.Those are the wins you’ve got to have.”

Other scores: Northeast 55 Dickson County 47

Reach Andy Simmons on Twitter @AndyDHTN

Creek Wood quarterback Devon Higgins finds an open receiver during the Red Hawks 36-34 win over Hillwood.

Creek Wood running back Quinton Poole looks for running room against Hillwood.

Creek Wood’s Braxton Horner gets past Hillwood’s Eric Kinnard for a touchdown grab.