CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville Academy Cougars hosted the Evangelical Christian Eagles for a best-of-three series in the Division II-A state baseball tournament elite eight on Wednesday. Clarksville Academy swept the doubleheader 8-1 and 4-3 to advance the Cougars to the state final four.

In game one, the Cougars’ bats led the way, scoring eight runs, highlighted by a four-run fourth inning. Clarksville Academy senior centerfielder Brennen Gibson had a fantastic day at the plate, collecting three hits and 4 RBIs, including a 3 RBI triple. Pitcher and Mr. Baseball finalist Evan Leonard got the win on the mound, pitching a seven-inning complete game, allowing only one run on seven hits and striking out five.

#10 Evan Leonard of the Clarksville Academy Cougars with the opening pitch against Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville Academy Cougars defeated Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville Academy Cougars defeated Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville Academy Cougars defeated Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville Academy Cougars defeated Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#0 Floyd Dodwell of the Clarksville Academy makes the catch in left field against Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#5 Brennen Gibson of the Clarksvile Academy is safe at second base Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville Academy Cougars defeated Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#3 Kyle Mabie of Evangelical Christian pitches against the Clarksville Academy in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville Academy Cougars defeated Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#22 Jaylen Page of the Clarksville Academy Cougars makes the play at first base against Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville Academy Cougars defeated Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#22 Jaylen Page of the Clarksville Academy Cougars makes the play at first base against Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville Academy Cougars defeated Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#10 Evan Leonard of the Clarksville Academy Cougars rounds second after his home run against Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#2 Harrison Smith of Evangelical Christian pitches against the Clarksville Academy cougars in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville Academy Cougars defeated Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville Academy Cougars defeated Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#0 Floyd Dodwell of the Clarksville Academy makes the catch in left field against Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#22 Jaylen Page of the Clarksville Academy Cougars makes the catch at first base against Evangelical Christian in the Regional Finals on May 14, 2025 (Jeff Danault)

“Evan Leonard has been our guy all year, and he showed that tonight,” said Cougars head coach Dustin Smith. “We gave him some runs early, which gave him some cushion and confidence, and he performed.”

In game two, it was an instant classic. Cougars junior shortstop Colt Wallace drove in a run in the top of the fifth to give Academy the lead, but the Eagles took it right back in the bottom of the same inning. However, Cougar  Floyd Dodwell responded with a no-doubter solo homer to take the lead, and Jalon Page finished his complete game on the mound, striking out eight to earn the win and the sweep, and a berth in the final four of the state tournament.

“Jalon Page pitched his butt off for us again,” said Smith. “We’ve had great pitching and defense all year long. It was a little bit of a nailbiter, and luckily Floyd came through with the big home run to give us the lead.”

Now, the Cougars will play Tuesday, May 20, at Middle Tennessee Christian School in Murfreesboro in the final four of the Division II-A state tournament, for a chance at the state title. This is the second time Academy has ever made it to the final four, the last in 2019.

“It’s really cool to be where we are,” said Smith. “We just have to keep doing what we’re doing. They’ve been competing, fighting, and battling all season long. It’s nothing special, we just have to continue to do what we do.”

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