In their first game of the season, the Pounders defeated Walker Valley on Thursday, August 16. With many key players, such as Michael McGhee, Tracy Odom, Jaheim Jones, and Hunter Jones, they were able to win with a score of 40-28.

“What stood out to me was our defense. We held them off really well. We couldn’t have won the game without some of the plays made by Tracy and Hunter,” commented McGhee.

The team played really well together in the first half of the game and got ahead of Walker Valley early on, but they seemed worn out and unconditioned in the second half.

Returning to Central after a 15 year absence, Head Coach Curt Jones hopes for a successful season.

“I have high expectations because of the quality of the kids we have,” shared Coach Jones.

He sees much potential in the players because of their experience. Last year, the team learned how to start winning again.

“One of the most unique things we do, and the last thing we do before the game, [is] we do a power clean lifting circuit,” noted Coach Jones.

He explained that this 15 minute lifting routine gets the excitement going for the game. The players cheer each other on and encourage one another as they participate in this activity as a team.

The Central football team took a disappointing loss on Friday, August 24 against Red Bank. Even though the score was  23-20, adding to the Pounders’ ten plus year losing streak against the Lions, the team feels as if it was not a complete loss.

“I think it’s a good measuring stick for the rest of the season. I think it shows we’re right on the cusp of our goal,” expressed Coach Jones.

The Pounders hope to rebound from the unfulfilling loss in the game against Sequoyah on Friday, August 31. Come and support the team at the first home game!