Photo by Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
STEENS – As a new high school football season rapidly approaches, Columbus Christian Academy’s squad wants to display a tenacious attitude on the gridiron in 2024.
After finishing last season winless at 0-10, the Rams have spent the offseason preparing physically and mentally to right the wrongs.
“We’ve had good attendance throughout the summer and good turnout for working out. We’re getting better, stronger and incorporating some of that into football after workouts,” head coach Chris Craven told The Dispatch. “We spent the summer getting better, getting stronger and learning how to play football. Sometimes just out there in t-shirts and shorts – ‘This is what you do, this is what it is and this is how you do it.’”
The coaching staff surrounding Craven on CCA’s sidelines this year is a family affair – Craven’s son and offensive line coach Jaden Craven is on staff, as well as Craven’s brother-in-law, Marcus Davidson, who is the school’s athletic director and defensive coordinator.
Coaching alongside his family has been a dream come true for Craven and is something that he treasures heading into their first season working together at CCA.
“We’ve been together for years, this is just our first chance to work together,” Craven said. “We all came to Columbus Christian last year. We have great communication (and) have been together for so long we can finish each other’s sentences because we’re family, literal family. We go out of our way to be there for each other and help each other.”
The Rams have not recorded a winning season since 2019, when the team finished with a 9-3 record and were crowned district champions. CCA also went on to record a playoff victory against Riverdale Academy before being eliminated in the second round by Marvell Academy.
Since the 2019 season, the Rams have been scratching and clawing to get back that level of success. CCA boasts a record of 8-32 in the last five years and has not finished above .500 since the team’s last playoff run.
In 2023, the team was bumped up from the MAIS 2A classification to 3A, which equates to tougher opponents lining up on the schedule in a state with no shortage of talented high school football squads ready to prove they belong.
“Football is very competitive and it’s the pride of almost every school,” Craven said. “In many aspects in some schools, it kind of sets the tone for the year as far as athletic competition goes. The competitive atmosphere in Mississippi, to have a drive, and to be honest, football is a sport of whooping people. It comes down to heart, mental focus and a never-quit attitude.”
Craven preaches the benefits of hard work and dedication, something the team hopes to use to hone their craft. Some positions might lack experience, but not heart.
“We don’t have a lot of experience,” Craven said. “We got a couple (where) this is their first year playing football, we got a handful where it’s their second year playing football and we have one or two on the team that have played since they were in pee-wee and have more experience. Again, that never-quit attitude, that ‘Get after somebody and do everything you can to do your job for your teammates to win the ballgame,’ I think it’s going to pay off in the long run. We definitely have a competitive spirit about us.”
Since its establishment in 1976, CCA’s foundation of community support gives it an advantage of programs of similar size. Heading into a season full of unknowns and inexperience in some positions, having the community’s full support is integral for Craven while rebuilding the foundation of success in Steens.
“Community is very important and we have a very special community over here at Columbus Christian Academy,” Craven said. “The fact that it’s small, it kind of by default has that family feel to it. We have great support from our football parents and our program. It’s a special place to be over here, they care a lot.”
The community at CCA will rejoice as football season officially kicks off on August 23 at Hebron Christian Academy. In the Rams last meeting with the Eagles two years ago, CCA pummeled Hebron Christian by a score of 62-8, but the Eagles lead the all-time series, 6-3..
CCA’s toughest test this season will arrive on October 11 when the Rams hit the road to take on Porter’s Chapel Academy in Vicksburg. PCA finished last season with a 12-1 record and a 53-18 second-round playoff victory over Deer Creek Academy.
COLUMBUS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 2024 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE:
Aug. 23 – at Hebron Academy
Aug. 30 – vs. Calhoun Academy
Sep. 6 – at Russell Christian
Sep. 13 – vs. Kemper Academy
Sep. 20* – vs. Humphreys (Homecoming)
Sep. 27 – at Briarfield
Oct. 4* – vs. Tallulah (Senior Night)
Oct. 11 – at Porter’s Chapel
Oct. 18 – OPEN
Oct. 25 – at Deer Creek
*District opponents
COACHING STAFF
Head coach: Chris Craven
Assistant coaches: Jordan Craven, Marcus Davidson
ROSTER
2 Gavin Cook WR /DB 8th
4 Jordan McShane WR / DB 12th
7 Matthew Benge QB / DB 11th
10 Jason Scallions WR / DB 10th
11 Monn Hill RB / LB 11th
13 David Easterling WR / LB 11th
14 Colby Hand RB / LB 9th
15 Welton Davidson TE / DE 11th
22 Calven Hunziker RB / LB 9th
24 Carson Benge TE / DB 8th
50 DJ Stewart OL / DL 11th
56 Kaden Smith OL / DL 9th
67 Logan Watkins OL / DL 11th
72 Michael Bandre OL / DL 11th
75 David Bandre OL / DL 9th
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
