The Central Warriors advanced to the second round of the 6A playoffs last season, losing to the Germantown Red Devils. The Warriors lost a lot of talent off of that team. Defensive lineman Trevis Hopper was a massive force in the middle. Hopper is a freshman at the University of Memphis.
On the offensive side, the great running attack of Dylan Ingram and Allan Thornton are gone. Much of the offense will now fall upon the shoulders of Darin Turner, a 6′ 4″ 215-pound WR who has been a factor in the Warriors’ offense in years past.
The Warriors enter their second season in the hypercompetitive Class 6A-Region 8 – by far, the toughest division in Memphis. Under second-year head coach Major Wright, Central will compete against powerhouse programs like White Station, Germantown and Whitehaven.
“I felt we were making a lot of progress last season,” Wright said. “From the beginning to the end, we got better. It is always great to play an extra game. We are trying to build on that.
“There is not a game on the schedule we can’t win,” Wright added. “They can go either way. It just depends on how tough we are going to be.”
Talented sophomore RB Cartier Beverly will be looked upon to carry the ball, and Melrose transfer William Mason will play quarterback. The offensive line will need to be strong to allow Mason time to find Turner and the rest of the receiving corps.
The Warriors open up against Cordova in the season opener on Friday, August 23 at 7 p.m. at Crump Stadium. Admission is $8.00.
