CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville High flag football team paid a visit to West Creek High School on Monday, March 25, in a rivalry rematch of last year’s playoff semifinal. A game dominated by defense ended in a tie due to inclement weather.
The Coyotes defense remained fierce throughout the night, with several defensive backs making plays on the ball and snuffing out several reverses that resulted in tackles for a loss. West Creek head coach Aaron King said he could not be prouder of his team’s defensive effort.
“We walked in with a very solid game plan, and we just executed,” said King. “Our defense has been bailing out our offense all season long. I can’t express how proud I am of their effort. They’re a great unit, and they’re only getting better.”
While the Wildcats offense had their moments, their defense held their own against a West Creek team who can be lethal with their air attack. Clarksville High’s defense is led by safety Malon Smith, who also happens to be a star point guard for the Lady Wildcats basketball team. Clarksville High head coach Taylor Stanley had nothing but praise for the multi-sport athlete.
“Malon is incredible. Being a multi-sport athlete, a lot of the things that make her so good on the basketball court really translate to the football field,” said Stanley. “She can see the field really well, and most importantly she’s a great teammate.”
Despite the efforts of the West Creek offense, directed by quarterback Kinleigh Lewis and her ability to extend plays and improvise in the pocket, they could not break the end zone. It was the same story for Clarksville High, who is led by quarterback Hadley Hagewood under center, and her cannon for an arm. Regulation ended with no points on the scoreboard.
After regulation in flag football, the game is played by college football overtime rules. Each team will continuously be given a chance to send out their offense and defense to declare the winner. If one team fails to score while giving up points to their opponent, they lose the game and vice versa.
Both teams were extremely lively, and were ready to crown a winner, but before they could, lightning struck. With lightning showing up in the area, both coaches decided to rule the game as a tie, unless it is needed to determine playoff seeding, in which case they play the overtime at a later date.