Cougar Football is a month away today, August 21 at home 

By Clayton Carroll

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Football returns to The Hill in just one month. The Cougars open against the Panthers of Lenoir City at John T. “Jack” Reynolds Field in a mere 31 days. 

This season marks the 52^nd at Campbell High Football, and the second season for Head Coach Taylor Ownbey. “We just want to keep getting them ready for game time,” said Coach O at the recent KFOA Media Day in Knoxville. “We have a couple of scrimmages coming up, as well as a jamboree at Carson-Newman,” Ownbey continued. 

Ownbey instructs his Cougars during a June workout

The Cougars look to improve from last season, after going winless. Part of the work the Orange-and-Blue has been doing to improve is by implementing a new staff and scheme. Tyler Drummer is the new Offensive Coordinator. He has spent time playing football at the University of Tennessee and coaching as offensive coordinator at Knoxville Central. 

On defense, Bryan Lee is the new defensive coordinator. “He’s going to bring a lot more pressure than we have been,” said Coach O. Lee has been coaching for more than 30 years all over the state. “He is going to allow me to focus on game management, while giving up control of the defense, which I am excited about,” said Ownbey. 

Skylar and Tyler Kirby also join the staff. Skylar is the Head Coach at Jacksboro Middle School, and Tyler has donned the Blue-and-Gold headset as well assisting Skylar. Ownbey is retaining Hunter White, C.J. Allen, and Chris Mays on staff for the 2026 season.

On the offensive side of the ball, expect Silas Weaver to sling the rock around at the quarterback position. Sam Sexton, Max Boshears, and Tyler Cook will be some key players to look out for at receiver while also having an impact on the defensive side of the ball. “As for the offensive line, I expect us to be pretty good, with Will Goins being a key player after playing a lot last season,” Ownbey mentioned. 

WR/DB Sam Sexton (left) and QB Silas Weaver during the KFOA Media Day earlier this month

“Every one of our kids is working,” Ownbey declared. The Cougars are working toward the first game of the 2026 season on August 21^st  at home against Lenoir City. Les Martin, Brent Allen, and Jake Miller will cover the 52^nd season of Cougar Football over the WLAF Doyle’s Tire Shop Sports Network, which consists of radio AM 1450, FM 100.9, TV Channel 1089, 1450wlaf.com, YouTube, TV, Facebook, Amazon Fire TV, Roku TV, and Amazon Alexa.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 7-21-2026)