CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Kenwood High football hosted West Creek on Friday, Sept. 9 as the two sides met for the Battle of the Mill.

The final score ended up being 28-20 with the Coyotes securing the road victory against the Knights. Each team entered the contest with an overall record of 1-2, but it was West Creek who managed to move back to .500 on the season.

Nevertheless, the Battle of the Mill lived up to expectations for viewers in attendance. From start to finish, the game was an all out clash. Each team showcased their ability to battle through adversity, make adjustments and compete until the final whistle.

Kenwood was the team that found their rhythm early on during the game. After forcing the Coyotes to turn the ball over on downs on their first drive, the Knights took over at their own 37 yard line. After an offsides penalty, Kenwood only needed two plays to rush for more than 50 yards and set up the first touchdown of the game.

Kenwood struggled to find production on the offensive side of the football for the remainder of the first half. This was due to West Creek’s ability to adapt as the half moved on.

2nd quarter

After surrendering the initial score, it was as though West Creek’s team came alive. The Coyotes bounced back and were able to establish themselves after a slow start to the game.

The team tied the contest during their third drive of the night. They were efficient and effective throughout the possession, and this just so happened to be the first of three consecutive scores.

West Creek scored again after forcing a Kenwood punt. The Knights punter botched the kick, and handed the ball over on their own 29 yard line. West Creek was stopped in their tracks by Kenwood’s defense the first three plays of the drive.

However, this didn’t stop the Coyotes from going for it on 4th and long. During the play, West Creek quarterback Kayden Pace was able to extend the play by rolling out of the pocket. This led to him finding his receiver open running a seam route. They connected in the back of the end zone for six, and put the Coyotes up 14-7.

West Creek’s momentum continued to build over the course of the next two possessions. The away team wasted no time forcing a turnover following their score. Edge rusher Najahn Wright bolted around the outside of the pocket to strip sack the oppositions quarterback. West Creek came away with the ball on their opponents 12 yard line.

On 3rd and long, Pace once again completed a pass over the top of Kenwood’s secondary for his second passing touchdown of the game. This pushed the game to 21-7, and remained the score until halftime.

Halftime

Even after giving up three consecutives touchdowns to end the half, Kenwood High came out of halftime cool and collected. They didn’t panic and knew they were still in the ball game.

The Knights cut down on the lead during their second drive of the second half. Their rushing attack was able to produce 60 rushing yards on 5 carries which led to one of the most impressive touchdowns of the night.

After a halfback toss to the right side, Kenwood’s running back was met immediately by a sea of defenders. However, he hurdled the first defender that he saw, and displayed great change of direction as he kicked it back to the left side of the field to walk in for 6 points.

The score had halted at a stand still for the remainder of the third quarter and most of the fourth quarter too. Each team continuously fought for the upper hand, and their defenses rose up to the occasion.

4th quarter

Eventually, West Creek made it a two possession game after a 35 yard touchdown run that resulted in the score being pushed to 28-14. It looked as though the game was out of reach, but Kenwood just wouldn’t quit.

With time dwindling down, the Knight’s running back turned on his jets and ran for over 60 yards to score his second touchdown of the game.

The score made it a one possession game, but ultimately their wasn’t enough time. West Creek ran out the remaining time on the clock and celebrated their victory in the Battle of the Mill.

Coaches corner

Following the game, West Creek Head coach Robert Gallowitz said he was pleased with the momentum his team gained ahead of their matchup with Rossview High. Gallowitz did recognize that the team has some more work to be done prior to the two Montgomery County teams meeting.

“We came out of the gates sloppy to begin tonight’s game,” said Gallowtiz. “Every week it feels as though we are stalling to begin the game, then we hit our groove as the game progresses. It doesn’t help that we keep shooting ourselves in the foot with penalties. We just need to clean a lot of it up and move forward.”

West Creek is scheduled to host Rossview as their next opponent as they look to win two games in a row. As for Kenwood, they have the week to prepare for Springfield as they look to end their three game losing streak. That matchup will also be a home game for the Knights.