CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville Academy will kick off the 2020 fall football season in Clarksville when the Cougars play host to Grace Christian Academy on Thursday.
The game was originally supposed to take place on Friday, but both schools agreed to move the game up a day due to a chance of severe weather.
All eyes will be on the Cougars tonight, with no other teams in the city set to play their first contest until Sept. 4.
“We’re excited about our game versus Grace Christian,” said Clarksville Academy football coach John Crosby. “Our athletes have worked extremely hard and I can’t wait for them to showcase their skills to a lot of people that normally might not attend our games.”
As he enters year two at the helm for the Cougars, Crosby discussed what difficulties his team has faced while preparing for this upcoming season.
“This offseason has definitely not been ideal, but our players and staff have responded very positively to the constant changes that have taken place,” Crosby said. “Being a smaller team, it was probably a little easier for us than most to get everyone through the weight room during the summer each day, but it still took a lot of effort on everyone’s part. I believe we did a great job of following COVID protocols in order to keep everyone healthy.”
Clarksville Academy will return six starters on each side of the ball in 2020.
Some key returners on both offense and defense include running back/linebacker Bryan Longwell, quarterback/defensive back Tristan Ladson, offensive/defensive lineman James Seay, offensive/defensive lineman Ethan Arkell, wide receiver/linebacker Keith Richburg, running back/defensive back Corbin Yarbrough and running back/linebacker Tyson Hagewood.
The Cougars will look to fill the voids left from the departures of wide receiver Deiondre Wilson and kicker Nick Whitlow who each earned scholarship offers for their work on the gridiron.
Crosby shared what his message have been to his players, as the Cougars gear up for the start of a new campaign.
“Our outlook is to take it one game at a time,” Crosby said. “We never know what next week holds in store, so we’ll just keep preparing like everything is normal.”
Fans who plan on attending Thursday night’s season opener should be made aware of a few guidelines that are to be followed at all times.
“Anyone can come to the game tomorrow night, but no tailgating, masks must be worn and social distancing procedures must be followed,” Crosby said. “Also no concessions are being sold.”
Clarksville Academy (0-0) will host Grace Christian (1-0) at 6 p.m. Thursday.