CUNNINGHAM, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Montgomery Central High School football has been a program built on youth under head coach Wyatt Page. After a 1-9 season in 2025, one of Tennessee’s youngest head coaches is doubling down on that youth movement to help turn the tide in Cunningham.

The biggest storyline for the Indians entering a pivotal third season under Page is a revamped coaching staff. Jack Pulley, who played for Page during his senior season at Montgomery Central in 2025, returns as the team’s running backs coach. He’ll be joined by offensive line coach CJ Martinez, a 2023 Rossview graduate.

Shirtless man on a grassy field reaching to throw a football outdoors with trees in the background at sunset/sunny day.
Male coach in a red shirt speaking to a group of young players outdoors on a grassy field, with a goalpost in the background and trees behind.
Crouching football player in an orange helmet during practice on a grassy field.
Young man with curly hair in a blue Central Football shirt talks to others on a grassy football field, with players in red helmets in the background.
Shirtless young man holds a football on a grassy field as a coach watches in the background.
Football player in a red jersey and helmet with knee brace sprinting around yellow agility blocks on a grassy field during practice under a shelter.
Athlete in a red MC Football shirt and cap throws with his left arm extended on a sunny grassy field.
Young football players on a grassy field during practice; one shirtless player with red helmet throws a pass while another kneels, a third runs in red shirt in the background.
Young football players in red helmets line up during practice, center player facing the camera with a white face mask and chain necklace visible.
Group of football players in red jerseys and helmets practicing outdoors on a sunny day.
Football player kneeling on a grassy field, red jersey and helmet resting beside him on the ground, preparing for drill.
Two football players in red helmets crouch at the line of scrimmage during a drill on a sunny field, with a coach watching in the background.

At just 28 years old, Page doesn’t view the age of his assistants as a disadvantage.

“Coach Martinez is a great man, a man of God, and a great role model for these kids to aspire to. Coach Pulley has been a staple in the Montgomery Central community, so that was a no-brainer,” Page told Clarksville Now. “I guess it is kind of unique that they’re pretty young, but I’m pretty young myself, so I feel like I can relate with them pretty well.”

Youth on the field

Montgomery Central’s youth movement extends to the field as well. The Indians’ success will largely depend on sophomore quarterback Colston Otte, who started all 10 games as a freshman. If Otte takes the expected sophomore leap, Montgomery Central could take one with him.

“Colston started 10 games for us last year and did a really good job,” Page said. “We feel like we’ve got a good group of kids coming back and we’ll be able to be pretty diverse in the way that we play offense.”

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While the Indians will once again lean on the running game, a larger senior class gives Otte more experienced targets in the passing attack. One of his top weapons could be his older brother, Grant Otte. The offense, however, will still revolve around senior running back Malosi Laban, whose production on the ground could create opportunities for Otte to make plays through the air.

Defensively, the Indians will need to take another step in 2026. The good news is they return one of the state’s premier tacklers in linebacker Cayson Rasch. The defensive line lacks proven size, making this year’s ClarksvilleNow Player to Watch even more important.

Clarksville Now player to watch: Hunter Mitchell

Hunter Mitchell isn’t the flashy pick, but he may be the most important one. An All-Region 5-4A selection in 2025, Mitchell was one of Montgomery Central’s biggest bright spots last season and will be counted on even more as a senior. Protecting a young quarterback is critical to the Indians’ success, and Mitchell embraces that responsibility.

“Colston’s my life. He’s my ride or die. He’s always going to sleep in the pocket. Anything I can do for Colston is what I’m going to do,” Mitchell said. “I’m going to connect with all my boys, especially on the O-line. I’m going to get my hands right, get my feet right, and just love the game I play.”

Mitchell will start at right tackle while also seeing time at defensive tackle, giving him responsibilities on both sides of the ball. If the 6-foot senior can provide consistency in the trenches, Page will have much more confidence in both his offensive and defensive fronts.

Clarksville Now record prediction: Montgomery Central 4-6

Bearded man in a red shirt and sunglasses holds a football and a clipboard outdoors, with greenery in the background.
Wyatt Page at Montgomery Central practice on July 14, 2026 (Patrick Smith)

It’s no secret Montgomery Central has struggled in recent years. The Indians have won just five games over the past four seasons following a successful 2021 campaign. Page has remained committed to changing the culture, and this year’s 18-player senior class gives his program its most experienced roster since he arrived.

Montgomery Central isn’t ready to challenge for the top of Montgomery County, but the schedule features several realistic opportunities to pick up wins. There is still work to be done in Cunningham, but with experienced seniors, an emerging quarterback and playmakers in key positions, the Indians should take a noticeable step forward in 2026.

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