Clarksville high school football predictions for TSSAA Week 8: Can Kirkwood snap skid?
Most Clarksville-area teams set for open weeks in Week 9 of the 2023 TSSAA high school football season. For now, it's Week 8, and they'll look to head into their breaks on a high note.
Here's a look at the biggest Week 8 games in the area, with score predictions:
Game of the week
Clarksville (7-0, 4-0 Region 7-6A) at Kirkwood (4-3, 2-2)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Through four weeks, Kirkwood was the biggest surprise in the city. In their first season, with a roster made up mostly of underclassmen, the Cobras were 4-0 and scoring over 40 points per game. Growing pains have set in since, however. Kirkwood's lost its last three games by an average of 28 points.
The Cobras' schedule got much more difficult in September, and it doesn't get any easier this week. After moving to 7-0 for the first time since 2000, Clarksville is deservedly ranked No. 10 in this week's AP poll. Kirkwood will have to contend with a Wildcat defense that's starting to turn teams over: Isaiah Soto picked off three passes in last Friday's 55-0 win over Northwest and Cam Stahley had another interception.
Prediction: Clarksville 48, Kirkwood 14
Fort Campbell (4-3, 1-0 KHSAA District 2-2A) at Todd County Central (3-4, 0-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Fort Campbell has fallen on tough times since its heyday of three straight Kentucky state titles from 2007-09, but second-year coach Henry Mitchell is turning the tide. The Falcons are on their first three-game winning streak since 2012 and one victory away from their most in a season since 2013. They've looked good in doing so, with their wins coming by 29, 47 and 29 points.
Todd County Central is coached by former Fort Campbell coach Josh Robins. The Rebels, who have yet to win or lose back-to-back games this season, are coming off a 57-7 loss at Owensboro Catholic.
Prediction: Fort Campbell 27, Todd County Central 24
McGavock (1-6) at Rossview (5-2)
When: 7 p.m., Thursday
Rossview nearly made it five straight shutouts. Malakhi Redman's 44-yard touchdown reception snapped the Hawks defense's streak of 18 quarters without allowing points, but that was all Dickson County managed in last Friday's 28-6 Rossview win. With a top-two region seed and home playoff game all but assured, the Hawks get a break from region play and a chance to move to 6-2 for the first time in five years.
McGavock has a legitimate star in TJ Ward, a Marshall-offered sophomore who has rushed for close to 1,000 yards already. But Rossview can answer with DJ Young, who's gained over 160 yards in three straight games, as well as an efficient passing game keyed by tight end Collin Michael (seven touchdowns).
Prediction: Rossview 35, McGavock 14
Northwest (0-7, 0-4 Region 7-6A) at Kenwood (1-5, 1-2)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
This might come as a shock considering its non-competitive start, but Kenwood has a viable, if long-shot, chance at sneaking through the backdoor into the postseason. Dekorian Frazier, Frederick Ellis and Jakoby Cox combined for 285 rushing yards in last Friday's win over Northeast, and the Knights have yet to play Dickson County (Oct. 13) and Kirkwood (Oct. 20), two teams above them in the region standings.
Also working in Kenwood's favor is this Friday's matchup. Northwest is allowing 41 points per game, and the Knights' offense appears to be picking up steam. Their defense was perhaps an even bigger surprise against the Eagles, though, holding them to six points and 187 yards.
Prediction: Kenwood 42, Northwest 13
West Creek (2-5, 2-2 Region 7-6A) at Northeast (0-7, 0-4)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
While West Creek came into the season chasing a couple milestones — first winning record and second playoff berth — this week brings a chance at another one that isn't as big-picture as the first two, but important nonetheless. In their 14 years of existence, the Coyotes are 0-14 against Northeast.
There's a good chance West Creek ends that streak, especially if Jaisaun Ousley (26 carries for 247 yards over his last two games) continues running the way he has of late. The Eagles got a solid performance from Tristan Doss (125 yards and a touchdown on 12 rushes) against Kenwood, but will that be enough?
Prediction: West Creek 27, Northeast 14
Last week's picks: 4-1 (.800)
Season picks: 29-6 (.829)
MIDSEASON STANDOUTS: Here are the top Clarksville-area football players at the 2023 TSSAA midseason
Friday's other Clarksville-area games
Donelson Christian Academy (4-3, 1-1 DII-A Middle Region) at Clarksville Academy (1-6, 0-2), 7 p.m.
Houston County (3-4, 2-1 Region 6-1A) at McKenzie (6-1, 3-0), 7 p.m.
Montgomery Central (0-7, 0-4 Region 5-4A) at Marshall County (6-1, 4-0), 7 p.m.
Stewart County (0-7, 0-1 Region 6-3A) at White House-Heritage (4-3, 2-0), 7 p.m.
Jacob Shames can be reached by email at jshames@gannett.com and on Twitter @Jacob_Shames.
This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: TSSAA football predictions for Clarksville high school Week 8 games
