Clarksville — Clarksville Christian School has taken a concrete step toward launching its football program, naming Mo Thompson as the program’s first coaching hire and revealing part of a broader plan that includes a future home field at Fortera Stadium.
First hire focuses on speed, agility and fundamentals
Thompson will serve as the Centurions’ Speed and Agility Coach, the school announced Thursday. A Certified Speed, Agility and Quickness (SAQ) specialist, Thompson brings experience coaching at both the middle and high school levels and a long history working with developing athletes through his training organization, On Top Athletics.
Thompson’s playing résumé includes time at Lebanon High School, East Mississippi Community College and the University of West Alabama. He also continued his playing career in arena football with the Birmingham Stallions, Norfolk Nighthawks and Augusta Stallions, according to the school.
“This is the first of a series of coaching hires we are excited to announce as we begin putting the architecture of CCS football in place,” said CCS President Dr. Brad Moser.
In announcing Thompson’s hiring, school leaders framed the move as an opening step in a multi-year plan to field a competitive, well-prepared team for the program’s first season in fall 2027.
Partnership secures Fortera Stadium for home games
The Thompson hire comes after Clarksville Christian disclosed a partnership with Austin Peay State University that will make Fortera Stadium available for Centurion home games beginning in fall 2027. The agreement gives CCS a high-profile venue in the city as it completes preparations for its inaugural campaign.
School officials emphasize building “the right culture” and a durable foundation before the program takes the field. Athletic Director Jason Shelton said the emphasis now is on preparing student-athletes physically and mentally before delving into tactical and schematic details.
“We want to make sure our young men are physically and mentally prepared to compete when we take the field,” said CCS Athletic Director Jason Shelton.
Program building: staff, facilities and timelines
School leaders said Thompson’s hiring is the first in a series of projected coaching appointments as they assemble a full staff before the 2027 kickoff. Officials have stated they intend to build the program methodically, focusing on culture, conditioning and a foundation for long-term success.
- Coach: Mo Thompson, Speed and Agility Coach
- Certifications/experience: Certified SAQ specialist; middle and high school coaching; On Top Athletics trainer
- Playing background: Lebanon High School; East Mississippi Community College; University of West Alabama; Arena Football with Birmingham Stallions, Norfolk Nighthawks, Augusta Stallions
- Home field: Fortera Stadium, via partnership with Austin Peay State University, beginning fall 2027
Thompson’s work with On Top Athletics reportedly includes training athletes who went on to play at schools such as Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, UCLA, Arkansas State and UT Martin, as well as at the professional level in the NFL. The school said those credentials speak to his experience preparing athletes for collegiate and higher-level competition.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coach role | Speed and Agility Coach |
| First game timeline | Fall 2027 (program plans) |
| Home venue | Fortera Stadium (Austin Peay partnership) |
Local implications
For Clarksville, the start of a new high school football program and the use of Fortera Stadium carry several local implications. The partnership with Austin Peay places Centurion home games at a facility already integrated into the city’s sports calendar, potentially drawing additional crowds and increasing opportunities for local youth athletes. Building a staff centered on conditioning and character also signals an intent to develop a program that competes on and off the field.
School officials said there is significant work ahead between now and fall 2027. With Thompson in place as the first coach, CCS will now proceed with additional hires and program planning that will shape the city’s high school football landscape in coming seasons.
Clarks-ville Christian School did not provide a timetable for further staff announcements beyond saying more hires are expected as officials continue to “put the architecture of CCS football in place.”
