Friday night the Red Hawks found out just how far they have to go to truly compete in their new region.
A 42-0 loss to Marshall County, Creek Wood has not lost by three-plus scores since 2018 facing Springfield.
In fact, outside of the Springfield game in their previous region, the Red Hawks grew very accustomed to being the more athletic, more physical, and the overall better team.
That is no longer the case as the Tigers of Marshall County showed Creek Wood Friday night.
Devonte Davis and Lamarion Pierce dominated on both sides of the ball and it wasn’t just them for Marshall County.
Demari Braden along with Trice Gordon also showed they have an ability to break tackles, avoid tackles, and simply outrun the competition.
All four of those young men accounted for 50 plus yards from scrimmage and at least one touchdown in one way or another.
Pierce had over 120 rushing yards and Davis had one of two interceptions by the Tigers.
It was simply a case of Creek Wood getting a welcome to the top of 4A football.
All that being said, as always there are positives to take away.
For a second straight week Head Coach, Houston Thiel and his coaching staff seemed to make worthwhile halftime adjustments.
Creek Wood allowed just 14 second-half points compared to 27 in the first half.
The Red Hawks probably find the end zone themselves, as their offense at times did not struggle to move the ball, but the cards stacked against them.
Costly penalties, four turnovers, and a running clock in the 4th Quarter after Pierce broke off a 60 yard TD run.
Maybe the biggest positive sign for Creek Wood, however, was what seemed to be a much healthier Michael Harris.
While Harris was certainly still limited, he did gain 60 plus yards on the ground and showed up defensively as one of the only Red Hawks with an ability to recognize a Tiger formation and then react with a successful first contact tackle.
Just like we said last week it does not get any easier for the now 1-2 Red Hawks.
They now go home to nurse their wounds before hosting Pearl-Cohn Friday night.
That game will have all eyes on it as it is the MyTV 30 game, it will be the Zone Game of the Week, and of course, you can hear it on the RFC Sports Network.
Pearl-Cohn will boast the same level of athlete as Marshall County.
The Firebirds were the favorite to win the region coming into this year.
Creek Wood will have their hands full, let’s hope they learn from this past week’s film.
As always Friday night kick-off at 7 p.m. and pre-game starting at 6:30.
