A New Chapter for Central High Football
Central High School entered the offseason with a stark reality: the program had to replace 25 seniors from a team that finished 11‑2 last year. The loss of experienced starters forced Coach Jonathan Eason to look beyond the familiar and identify fresh voices who could step into larger roles.
Because spring practice was limited by the success of the baseball and track teams, the squad turned to summer activities to bridge the gap. The team has been engaged in 7‑on‑7 competitions and will soon scrimmage against regional opponents in August, using those sessions to test new combinations and build chemistry.
At the heart of the rebuilding effort is senior quarterback Dwayne Louallen Jr., who returns with a proven track record. Last season he completed 102 of 166 passes for 1,665 yards and 17 touchdowns, while also rushing for 697 yards and 11 scores on 106 carries. His dual-threat ability provides a steady anchor for a unit that must adapt to new weapons.
Joining Louallen in the offensive backfield are returning wide receivers Cody Branham and Darin Gaines, along with left tackle Brandon Streater. Senior Marzavious Allen will carry the ball as the featured running back, giving the offense a balanced attack that can exploit both the air and ground.
Defensively, the team retains five starters, including Allen, Aidan Welch, Jaylen Davis, Timmy Tyson, and Tahir Wise. Their experience should help stabilize a unit that will rely on continuity while younger players gain varsity exposure.
Coach Eason has repeatedly stressed that the summer schedule is more than a series of drills; it is an opportunity to forge cohesion and develop talent that can compete effectively when the regular season begins. The ultimate goal is to translate this groundwork into a competitive presence on the field.