CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville Academy football hosted a media day on Saturday, August 13 in preparation for the start of the 2022-23 season.
The start of their season begins this Friday as they are scheduled to face Houston County. Prior to the first game of the season, the Cougars wanted to take time to celebrate their team with the Clarksville Academy community.
Head coach Scott Murray detailed how important it is to take time and come together as a team during this point in the year. In addition, he spoke on what a great opportunity it is for parents to celebrate the new season of play with the team before they take the field this upcoming Friday.
Throughout the night, Clarksville Now got a chance to speak with senior leaders that makeup the Cougars roster. This includes starting quarterback D.J. Merriweather with his thoughts on what’s to come.
Clarksville Academy team leaders
“I feel great coming into the season,” said Merriweather. “We have a great group of skill position players this year. I would say that the group is just as talented, or more talented than last year’s team. I feel very comfortable running the offense, and I’m excited for the opportunity to air the ball out.”
One of the players he’ll have a chance to air the ball out to is wide receiver Jacques Wyatt. According to Max Preps, Wyatt is listed at 6’5″, and was one of the most productive receivers on the team last year. The senior has high expectations for Clarksville Academy entering the final chapter of his high school career.
“I had a large role on this team last season given the player and leader that I am,” said Wyatt. “I don’t expect my role to change too much, but I’ll do what is necessary to hold the team accountable on and off the field for a chance to become state champions.”
As we look at the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Jaylon Townsend is another senior coming off a productive season. Townsend spoke on his presence on the team as a leader and his expectations for the team.
“A lot goes into being a defensive leader,” said Townsend. “I keep everyone on the same page when it comes to alignment calls, and that everyone stays calm and collected during games. It takes time, commitment and is something you don’t take lightly.”
Townsend expects himself to get at least 100 tackles like he did last year, and for the team to win the state championship. He stated that he knows the team has the pieces to make it happen, it’s just a matter of putting them together.