After a week off, the Creek Wood Red Hawks have their sights set on making a push for a spot in the Class 4A state playoffs. Their journey begins tonight with a tough matchup against Kenwood.

The bye week seemed to help the Red Hawks. Many of their starters return refreshed from their nagging injuries, including senior wideout Johnny Lehto, who hasn’t seen action on the field since the preseason.

“It came at a good time,” said Creek Wood coach Chuck Daniel.

“I think we were able to get some of our guys more healthy and a chance to heal up. We’re ready to get back at it.”

The Knights (2-6, 1-1) are led by Purdue committ Antwuan Branch. The dynamic running back was a first-team All-

Midstate selection last year, gashing defenses for 2,596 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns on 313 carries.

Branch’s numbers are slightly down from last year, but he still has 1,289 yards and 16 touchdowns on 154 carries through seven games.

“He’s one of the best running backs in the state of Tennessee,” said Daniel.

“He’s a complete back. He’s big, physical, can catch the ball out of the backfield. He’ll block. He’s obviously a great player.”

A win for Creek Wood can certainly help their cause in reaching the post season. Kenwood has the third playoff spot, followed by the Red Hawks, but a win would propel them above Kenwood for the tiebreaker despite having the same region record at 1-2.

Kenwood won last year’s game 39-34.

Reach Andy Simmons on Twitter @AndyDHTN

Creek Wood’s Tanner Corlew races to the end zone during the Red Hawks 27-16 win over Loretto.