That time of the year is here again. The leaves turn red and orange, the air gets cooler, and the football lights come on. Central’s home opener is Friday, August 22, at 7:30 against Franklin County. The Purple Pounders went 5-7 last year and finished 6th in the district. This year is looking a little different with new head coach Ryan Mallory. He has worked Central’s boys hard all summer and everyday after school (even in the pouring rain), and we will soon see if it has all paid off.

“I am pretty optimistic about the upcoming season.  I like the way things are coming together on offense, defense, and in the kicking game.  Our players… are working harder than they ever have before.  If we keep progressing, we’ll have a chance to be successful,” Mallory said optimistically.

Central’s football has not been the most stellar in years past, but things are looking up for the 2014 season.

“We look like a different team compared to last year’s film,” Mallory shared.

Not only is our team getting to know a new coach but also a totally fresh staff, including defensive coordinator Cortney Braswell. The current student teacher for Mr. Shawn Seals’ U.S. History classes has coached at Soddy Daisy, East Ridge, North Murray, Notre Dame, and Ringgold.

“Personally I’m extremely excited. I’ve coached plenty of times before and I really like this team. I think every game is going to be personal for us,” Braswell commented.

“I’m anxious to see how we stack up against Franklin County.  I really don’t know where we are as a team and how we will respond to four full quarters of football.  Once we get through that game, they are all the same to me,” Coach Mallory stated.

The 2014 team seems to have come together like never before.

“A lot of the guys didn’t talk to each other much before, and now they’re getting along and hanging out more often. It’s good to see the team be friends instead of just teammates,” Braswell said positively.

This year’s defense is looking extremely good – so good that when they played in the jamboree against East Hamilton on Saturday, August 16, both teams were scoreless. Senior Jamel Metcalf has great leadership and has been exploding in the preseason. Coach Braswell seems to be a good fit for Central and is pulling this defense together.

“We are physical on both sides of the ball.  On offense, we fire off of the ball low and hard and drive defenders out of their gaps.  Our backs do a good job of pressing the line of scrimmage and finding the seam.  Scout Morgan does a good job of running the show at the quarterback position.  Defensively, we fly to the football.  Our defensive line does a great job of getting up field penetration and disrupting the offensive backfield action.  Our linebackers come downhill hard and fast.  Our defensive backs do a great job of swarming to the football,” Mallory summarized.

The entire coaching staff, the players, the whole student body, and the faculty are extremely anxious to see how Central’s football team will do this year. They are looking good and are determined to have a winning season. Be sure to come out and support the Pounders Friday, August 22, at 7:30 at Central High School.