25 Teams in 25 Days: Christian Collegiate Academy

GULFPORT, Miss. — The Christian Collegiate Academy football program has endured more adversity than most teams face in a single year. Last season, the Bulldogs made the difficult transition from eight-man football to the traditional 11-man game. The growing pains were evident as CCA finished 0-11 in its first season playing 11-man football. Then, after the season ended, the program suffered an even greater loss with the passing of beloved head coach Steve Spinks. Now, under first-year head coach Nicholas Jones, the Bulldogs are focused on honoring Spinks’ legacy while laying the foundation for the future.

“Going through the adversity of last year’s season and then the unfortunate passing of Coach Spinks and watching the boys keep fighting and keep pushing forward as young men, as Christians, and then in the game of football as well, said Coach Nicholas Jones. “We’re looking to build that foundation of fundamentals and metal preparation so they have something to grow forward on, to keep moving and going and all around learning the game of football.”

Instead of walking away, the players returned with a new perspective. After a year of growing pains, they believe the experience has made them a stronger, more connected team.

“I learned what football really is,” said McKoy Strahan.. “You’ve got to be tough and you’ve got to be there for every quarter and you can’t just lay down at any point during the game and I really feel like now that we’ve already had a year of experience in 11-man, it’s going to be so much better. We’re just overall better as team.”
“That made me a lot better,” said Ziyad Crosby.” It made me improve on myself and a lot on teamwork stuff and not being shy and talking to my teammates and to let loose and let them know what’s wrong and what’s right and for them to tell me what’s wrong and what’s right.”
“It makes me feel like I’ve improved a lot since last year and watching my teammate play I can definitely see a big difference from last year,” said Nathan Lowe.
“I learned to not let my emotions take over and to be smart when I play because I love this sport and it’s not all about winning,” said Alex Cabral.

The growth hasn’t just come on the field. After finishing last season with just 16 players, the Bulldogs expect to nearly double their roster this fall. Coach Jones believes a strong foundation—both physically and mentally—will be the key to turning the program around.

“Well one, having that foundation of fundamentals and mental preparation. Being mentally more prepared than the other team is a big goal for every game and that’ll be a strength these have boys,” said Coach Jones. “Our boys really do have the skills to play with any boys that we have. I know it’s hard for a lot of people to believe after last season but our boys do have to skills to play with anybody.”

With a new coaching staff, improved depth, and a defense they’re confident in, the Bulldogs believe better days are ahead.

“A big strength that we have is our coaching staff. I have an amazing group of guys that have signed on to coach these boys and the knowledge that they have and that they offer the boys, you really can’t even describe how much it helps out,” said Coach Jones.
“I really think our strength is probably our defense,” said Strahan. “We’ve got a new defensive coordinator, Coach Fairley and he’s great. We’ve got some dogs on defense and our offense is going to be there too. We’ve got some really good guys.”
“Like McCoy said, we’ve got dogs on defense and I’m just grateful to play with this football team and it brings out the heart in us. We may not have the size but we have the heart and we have the potential to be better and overall in general,” said Crosby.
“I’d say the leadership is there and the want to be better. We’ve got a new coaching staff and I’m excited about that and I’m excited to go out there and play with my teammates,” said Colton Spann.

The Bulldogs will get their first chance to show that growth on August 21st, when they open the season at home against Snook Christian Academy.