Glenwood Herald contributor Paul Shepard wrote this story.
Fans of the Centerpoint Knights are feeling a mix of hope and uncertainty as the new football season begins.
Last season, the team had 4 wins and 6 losses, finishing tied with two other teams. The Knights ultimately missed the playoffs by losing a coin toss for the fourth and final conference playoff slot.
Longtime head coach Cary Rogers said he is optimistic about the upcoming season but acknowledged the challenges posed by the conference schedule. Three conference opponents — Bismarck, Prescott and Smackover — are ranked in the preseason top 10 in Class 3A.
“We do get a break in our conference schedule in that Fouke has moved up to 4A classification and is replaced by Cossatot in their initial year of playing varsity football,” Rogers said.
The Knights will face Fouke, traveling there Sept. 4 for a nonconference game.
Centerpoint will close its regular-season schedule with two particularly challenging games, traveling to Bismarck on Oct. 30 before hosting Prescott for Senior Night on Thursday, Nov. 5.
“We have a lot of kids returning from last year,” Rogers said. “There are 33 players and most of them were able to participate in our summer strength and conditioning program.”
On offense, quarterback Tony Valdez returns along with most of an offensive line that played together last season. Returning tackles are Duncan McAnally and Gunner Keberskey, while Leo Hamilton returns at center and Zaiden Allen and Parker Bailey return at guard.
“Our strength on offense should be at QB and the O line protecting our QB. The tight ends, running backs and wide-receivers are mostly new. We are moving Eli Welch from receiver to wingback to utilize his running and catching skills”, Rogers said.
On defense, he feels the strength will be the defensive line (DL) which features several returning players.
“Our linebackers (LB) and defensive backs (DB) will be a mix of returning and new players. I’m optimistic for this group. Leo Hamilton returns at linebacker, Hayden Dodson at defensive end and Eli Welch at safety,” Rogers said.
The Centerpoint coaching staff consists of Rogers and assistant coaches John Bright, John Harless and Russell Watts, with each sharing responsibilities for positions on offense and defense.
Rogers works with quarterbacks and linebackers and calls the offensive plays. Bright will call the defensive schemes. Harless coaches running backs and defensive backs, while Watts coaches the offensive and defensive lines. Watts also serves as head coach of the junior high team.
School started Tuesday, Aug. 11 and fans will get their first look at the team on Friday August 14 during the annual Purple-Gold Intrasquad Scrimmage, which is a traditional preseason exhibition game. The junior high will take the field at 7 p.m., followed by the senior high team at 8 p.m.
The following Tuesday, Aug. 18, the Dierks Outlaws will travel to Centerpoint stadium for a scrimmage with the junior high game starting at 6 p.m. and the senior high contest at 7 p.m.
The regular season begins the following week with the junior team hosting Murfreesboro at Centerpoint stadium on Thursday, Aug. 27. The senior high team will travel to Murfreesboro to battle the Rattlers on Friday, Aug. 28. Both games start at 7 p.m.
Fans can be optimistic and hopeful this time of year. They can show their support by turning out to cheer on the Knights.
Centerpoint High School football schedule:
Aug. 14 — Purple and Gold, 8 p.m.
Aug. 18 — Dierks (scrimmage), 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 — at Murfreesboro, 7 p.m.
Sept. 4 — at Fouke, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 — Open
Sept. 18 — Spring Hill, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 — Horatio, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 — at Parkers Chapel, 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 — Smackover (Homecoming), 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 — at Cossatot, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 — Harmony Grove, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30 — at Bismarck, 7 p.m.
Nov. 5 — Prescott, 7 p.m.
Centerpoint Junior High football schedule:
Aug. 14 — Purple and Gold, 7 p.m.
Aug. 18 — Dierks (scrimmage), 6 p.m.
Aug. 27 — Murfreesboro, 7 p.m.
Sept. 3 — Fouke, 7 p.m.
Sept. 10 — Open
Sept. 17 — at Prescott, 7 p.m.
Sept. 24 — at Horatio, 7 p.m.
Oct. 1 — Parkers Chapel, 7 p.m.
Oct. 8 — at Smackover, 7 p.m.
Oct. 15 — Cossatot, 7 p.m.
Oct. 22 — at Harmony Grove, 7 p.m.
Oct. 29 — Bismarck, 7 p.m.
