Big Rapids Crossroads Academy will begin its football season with preseason practices on Aug. 6 and will have a new coach.

Fred Peacock takes over for Jeff Thorne. Peacock will be only the second coach in the history of Crossroads football.

The Cougars struggled through an 0-9 season last year. Their closest game was a 47-15 loss to Ashley.

Crossroads plays in the five-team West Michigan D League, which includes Baldwin, Brethren, Manistee Catholic Central and Onekama.