CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville Academy Cougars hosted the McEwen Warriors for the first scrimmage of the season at Simpson Field on Friday. A defense-heavy affair with splash plays here and there culminated in a 7-7 tie to kick off August.

Both teams were able to contain their respective offenses, with the defensive line and linebackers making their presence felt. Cougar head coach Steadman Bell praised his defense for their communication and adaptability.

Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Lexie Calzaretta, center, as Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage on Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Clarksville Academy and McEwen scrimmage. Aug. 2, 2024. (Jeff Danault)

“McEwen is a physical bunch, that’s why I love scrimmaging them, so getting the right alignment and communicating is huge,” said Bell. “We didn’t game plan for this, so we were just going to control what we can control, specifically our effort.”

After a couple of empty possessions, receiver Chris Ragans broke the silence on a 54-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Ethan Bones. The Cougars also had good strides in the running game, collecting multiple 10-plus yard rushes.

“My old mentor, Jeff Brothers, always told me you gotta run the football,” said Bell. “I wanted to open up with 21 personnel and establish that run game, than I wanted to see Ethan (Bones) really spread it around. We’ve got a long way to go, but I liked what I saw tonight.”

In their second to last possession, McEwen scored on a quarterback dive, evening the score at 7, where the score stayed until the varsity game was over.

The Cougars impressed on opening night, but for Bell, it’s about the details if Clarksville Academy wants to take this thing to the next level.

“I think just the effort and the energy,” said Bell. “We started off a little low and kind’ve got punched in the mouth. We can’t wait for that to happen, we have to get things started earlier, and that’s gotta be on me too. We have to create that energy from the jump.”

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