CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLE NOW) โ The Kirkwood High School boys soccer team visited Clarksville High School for the first-ever matchup between the two programs. While the Cobras got off to a strong start, the Wildcats' offense exploded in the second half, scoring four points as the Wildcats cruised to a 4-2 district victory.
Even though Kirkwood was a freshman school, the games between the teams were the beginning of a rivalry. That was evident in the energetic play by both teams, including two early goals by Kirkwood that put the Cobras up 2-0 and held the lead through halftime. Kirkwood head coach Kelly Gass knew how competitive the city would be and was proud of how her team fared.
Clarksville Wildcats defeat Kirkwood Cobras 4-2 in first matchup in program history (Knox Ribs)
Clarksville Wildcats defeat Kirkwood Cobras 4-2 in first matchup in program history (Knox Ribs)
Clarksville Wildcats defeat Kirkwood Cobras 4-2 in first matchup in program history (Knox Ribs)
Clarksville Wildcats defeat Kirkwood Cobras 4-2 in first matchup in program history (Knox Ribs)
Clarksville Wildcats defeat Kirkwood Cobras 4-2 in first matchup in program history (Knox Ribs)
Clarksville Wildcats defeat Kirkwood Cobras 4-2 in first matchup in program history (Knox Ribs)
Clarksville Wildcats defeat Kirkwood Cobras 4-2 in first matchup in program history (Knox Ribs)
Clarksville Wildcats defeat Kirkwood Cobras 4-2 in first matchup in program history (Knox Ribs)
Clarksville Wildcats defeat Kirkwood Cobras 4-2 in first matchup in program history (Knox Ribs)
“It's a very emotional game for both sides,” Gase said. “We're new, so no one knows who we are or our style of play. We put ourselves in a position to win 2-0, so the team won the entire game. You have to learn to keep it.โ
Clarksville High School was in a tight spot, but determined to get back into the game, and the game got going as the team scored two goals in the first 10 minutes of the second half.
From that point on, it was a defensive battle until Clarksville High School's Mark Allen scored to take the lead in the 75th minute. In the follow-up, Levi Rogers added insurance for CHS with a breakaway score with one minute left. Clarksville High School head coach Austin Carey was excited to pull off a victory in the first matchup between the two programs.
“It was the game both teams wanted,” Carey said. “Once we connect and start pushing the ball, we're a team that can put the ball in the back of the net on a near regular basis. This was a great first step into what I think will be a great season of district play.”