Clarksville Academy cancels Aug. 21 football game because of 'COVID-19 concerns'

George Robinson
Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle

Clarksville Academy canceled its Aug. 21 season-opening football game against Green Hill, according to school officials.

Clarksville Academy informed Green Hill of its decision Friday afternoon, citing "COVID-19 concerns", according to Clarksville Academy athletics director Jake Peterson.

Peterson would not elaborate on what those concerns were.

"We do not have any other comment," Peterson said in a text message Friday evening.

Clarksville Academy football coach John Crosby said his team will continue with scheduled practices next week and expects the Cougars to play its Week 2 game against Grace Christian on Aug. 28.

Clarksville Academy coach John Crosby walks the weight room while his football players train during workouts Tuesday, June 16, 2020.

"This was a collective decision by Clarksville Academy," Crosby said. "There are some concerns surrounding COVID-19 and with too many unknowns, we felt it was best to cancel our opening game."

Clarksville Academy was the lone remaining school in Montgomery County scheduled to start the football season on time. Clarksville-Montgomery County School System announced last week that it was delaying the start of football and soccer until Aug. 31, leaving public school football teams with a Sept. 4 start date.

Clarksville Academy, a Division II, Class A program, was the first school in Montgomery County to begin high school athletic workouts in the first week of June. The Cougars began contact practice this week

Reach sports writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or (931) 245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.