Creek Wood wins inaugural TSSAA Class A flag football state championship game

MURFREESBORO − The Creek Wood girls flag football team had a good showing in the state invitational tournament in its first season in the sport in 2025. But, thanks to nursing an injury, Hollee Wilson wasn't part of that run. Good thing for the Red Hawks she was healthy and participating in the inaugural TSSAA Class A state tournament. Wilson had four interceptions, including one returned for 78-yard touchdown, 97 yards rushing and 25 yards passing and a passing TD in Creek Wood's 25-6 win over Merrol Hyde Magnet in the Class A championship game on May 15. Creek Wood celebrates their Class A girls flag football championship win over Merrol Hyde on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro, TN. Creek Wood Autumn Kirkman (14) and Creek Wood Addison Barton (33) celebrates the Class A girls flag football championship win over Merrol Hyde on Friday, May 15, 2026. Merrol Hyde wide receiver Emma O'Neill (67) carries the ball as Creek Wood Avery Bratton (17) pulls her flag during the Class A girls flag football championship game on Friday, May 15, 2026. 1 / 10 Creek Wood vs Merrol Hyde Class A girls flag football photos Creek Wood celebrates their Class A girls flag football championship win over Merrol Hyde on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro, TN. "I didn't play in the state (invitational) last year because I hurt my ankle, and I had state track the following week, and I chose (to be healthy for) track," said Wilson, who was named MVP of the state title game. Creek Wood (15-6) dominated the second half after the two teams were tied at six at halftime. Among the big plays for the Red Hawks was a 78-yard interception return for a touchdown as Merrol Hyde (18-5) was trying to cut it to a one-touchdown lead. Wilson's knack for being a ball hawk wasn't just limited to the state title game. The four interceptions gave her 37 on the season. "I always look at the quarterback's eyes and try to guess where the ball is going," Wilson said. "I try to stay on my girl as much as I can, do my job and my part and trust my teammates. It's about all of that, adding up together." MORE: Stratford football hires Jerald Cook as coach, replacing Anthony Law Creek Wood coach James Smith, who is an assistant on the Creek Wood football team, was almost at a loss for words after winning his first state title in any sport. "I've been dreaming about this since I was a little kid, winning a state championship in anything," Smith said. "We started this program two years ago and the girls and the community have backed us up 100%, and it's unbelievable." He's not surprised at the success Wilson has enjoyed in the sport. "She's one of the best athletes in the school," Smith said. "(Senior safety Avery Bratton) got us on the map last year, and nobody wanted to throw it to her (direction). Then you find out real quick that you don't want to throw it to Hollee either." Creek Wood knocked off Jackson North Side 25-6 in the quarterfinals and shut out Gordonsville 18-0 in the semis. Grace Merryman had a 1-yard run for Creek Wood while Wilson hit Autumn Kirkman on a 10-yard TD strike and Emma Reynolds added a 5-yard TD run to put the Red Hawks up 19-6. Wilson's long interception for a TD put the game away. Reagan Hudson caught a 35-yard TD strike from Melania Couret for Merrol Hyde's lone score. Cecil Joyce covers high school sports and MTSU athletics for The Daily News Journal. Contact him at cjoyce@dnj.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @Cecil_Joyce.