CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville Academy football has a new captain at the helm in 2019 as defensive coordinator turned first-year head coach John Crosby leads the Cougars into the season.

Crosby spent most of his coaching career at Nashville Christian before taking over as defensive coordinator for the Cougars two years ago.

“I coached at Nashville Christian for 11 years,” Crosby said. “Had a span where we reached four straight semifinals, and won the state championship in 2015. I was the defensive coordinator for all of those teams and worked with a lot of great coaches that taught me many of the things I know today both philosophically and schematically. I spent the last two years as defensive coordinator and strength coach, but have really made a smooth transition into being head coach at CA this season.”

Crosby’s coaching philosophy includes running an odd-front on defense and a triple-option scheme on offense.

“We are multiple on offense, but base out of the I-formation,” Crosby shared. “Defensively, we are a multiple odd-front multiple coverage. We try to preach and instill toughness up front on both sides of the ball, as that is where we feel games are won.”

The Cougars have numerous playmakers at various positions, making this year’s Clarksville Academy team dangerously versatile.

“Deondre Wilson is an all-state wide receiver who set the Cougar’s single-season record for receiving yards a year ago with 900,” Crosby said. “Nick Witlow is an all-state kicker who can boot kicks from 50 yards away, puts over 95% of his kickoffs in the end zone and is extremely accurate when called on for field goals. Landry Forte is a senior-returning starter since his sophomore year and voted as team captain. Ralin O’Neal was all region defensive line last season, and has transitioned to fullback and linebacker very well.”

Turnover is inevitable in high school football, but some departures leave a larger void to fill than others, especially at the quarterback position.

“It’s very tough to replace a player like Bryce (Robinson), both on and off the field,” Crosby said. “He was a major reason for the success we had last season, due to his work ethic and leading by example. Luckily, we have two very capable players that have filled his shoes this year and hopefully will keep the ball rolling on what Bryce started when I got here.”

Clarksville Academy will look to make a splash in 2019, but will first have their hands full due to changes in the makeup of their current division.

“The schedule is very tough, with the addition of teams that dropped down from DII-AA,” Crosby said. We are very excited about the challenge of playing great competition.”

Clarksville Academy (2-0) hosts Fayette Academy Friday, Sept. 6.

2019 Schedule
Aug. 23 RePublic                                          (W) 48-8
Aug. 30 at Grace Christian – Franklin  (W) 40-0
Sept. 6 Fayette Academy
Sept. 13 at Jackson Christian
Sept. 20 Trinity Christian
Sept. 27 at Nashville Christian
Oct. 4 Davidson Academy
Oct. 11 at Tipton-Rosemark
Oct. 18 Bye
Oct. 25 at Columbia Academy
Nov. 1 University School of Jackson
Nov. 8 Playoffs round one