CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville Academy wide receiver Cooper Wallace showcased his ability as a dynamic, play-making wide receiver during his last game. His performance secured his place as Clarksville Now Player of the Week.

The Cougars hosted their last game of the 2022-23 regular football season this past week against Mount Juliet Christian Academy. Clarksville Academy controlled the game throughout, and the matchup was all but over before the halftime buzzer sounded.

Clarksville Academy football went up against DCA and were defeated on Friday, September 30. (Ryan Vinson)

The Cougars’ offensive attack was as effective and efficient as ever during the first two quarters. The biggest factor for their offense was their passing attack.

Clarksville Academy quarterback DJ Merriweather consistently made plays through the air and compiled 220 passing yards. He also threw for 4 touchdowns.

Wallace was Merriweather’s top target against MJCA. The senior wideout accounted for more than half of his team’s receiving yards and touchdown receptions. Wallace finished the game with 5 receptions for 138 receiving yards and 2 touchdown catches.

2022-23 season

Clarksville Academy has had one of the most explosive offenses during the 2022-23 season.

The Cougars have averaged 34.3 points per game, and that’s one reason they sit at 7-3 with a chance to make a deep playoff run. Clarksville Academy’s offense is built around their skills position players, which includes Wallace.

Clarksville Academy football went up against DCA and were defeated on Friday, September 30. (Ryan Vinson)

Wallace is one of three Clarksville Academy players to have career seasons for the Cougars. He broke the school record for receiving yards in a season alongside fellow wide receiver Jacques Wyatt. Meanwhile, Merriweather broke the school record for passing yards in a season with over 2,000.

“You have to credit DJ, because not many quarterbacks can do what he accomplished,” said Wallace. “Jaq is a really good player as well, so I think us three are such a great trio playing together. Breaking those records was something we all had in the back of our minds too, and we accomplished what we set out to do.

“You have to credit Coach Murray as well. When he was hired, he got us all to come out, and look at everything we’ve done. Most of the credit should go to him.”

According to Max Preps, Wallace has 58 catches for 906 receiving yards and 11 receptions touchdowns. With that being said, the wide receiver averages 15.6 yards per catch and is one of the premier deep threats in Montgomery County. On any given play, Wallace can go the distance.

Coaches corner

“First of all, I want to highlight Cooper’s leadership,” said Clarksville Academy Head Coach Scott Murray. “He brings it every day and is somebody who does everything you ask of him on the field. He always gives maximum effort, and that’s the first thing I want to point out.

“Next, I want to point out his athleticism. He’s incredibly fast, if not the fastest player on our team. In addition to his speed, he has great hands and has developed really nice ball skills. His blocking is pretty efficient also. Cooper is a complete player and has even started to play more on defense for us with the injuries that have taken place,” Murray said.

“What really makes our team is the fact that we have a running and passing attack. Looking at our passing game, on one side of the ball we have Jacques Wyatt who has eight Division-I offers. He has gotten a lot of attention from opposing defenses this year. At the beginning of the season, people didn’t know who Cooper Wallace was, but they’ve sure found out about him now.”

Murray said Wallace has received multiple scholarship offers to play at the next level.

Clarksville Academy football is back in action Friday as they are set to host Lakeway Christian Academy in a postseason matchup. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m.

Honorable mention

Several other players had great weeks on the football field. Here are some that merit special mention:

  • Kenwood High running back LaMarcus Blackman; 17 carries for a total of 121 rushing yards.
  • West Creek placekicker Charles Woodworth; accounted for 12 of the Coyotes 30 points scored.
  • Northeast wide receiver Tykease Blanton; 5 receptions for 140 receiving yards and a 6-yard rushing touchdown.

Player of the Week