Central ready to surprise with emerging talent

CENTRAL PURPLE POUNDERS

Head coach: Curt Jones (22-41 in seven seasons here)

Returning starters: 8 offensive; 9 defensive

Key players: WR Tyi Mosley (5-11, 160); RB/WR Daishun Sims (6-3, 190); RB/DE Michael Watson (5-10, 202); WR/FS Larry Henderson (6-0, 160); WR/FS Jacob Leftwich (6-3, 195); RB/DB Noah Collins (5-9, 165); RB/LB Cameron Jackson (5-9, 150); OL/DL Kenny Shadden (6-3, 270); OL/DL Ronald Dupree; MLB Londen Martin (6-0, 180); OL/DL Demetrio Dominguez; WR/S Issaiah Rogers (5-8, 165); TE/DL Reginald Wadley (6-2, 180).

Team strengths: Coach Jones has been impressed by the Pounders’ work ethic and dedication in the offseason. They had to learn on the go last year with an extremely young team, but after totaling 87 points in the final three games of 2019, they’ll try to build on that momentum.

Team concerns: The offensive line, which struggled early last season and was a weak point, must hold its blocks and create space for the team’s playmakers to work. Shadden and Dominguez are experienced starters on the line, but others need to establish themselves to help clear the path for a talented backfield that must step up after the graduation of Hunter Jones.

Breakout candidate: When Collins gets daylight, there is a good chance no one will catch him, and he also has good hands when asked to make catches and can contribute in the secondary. The Purple Pounders expect a lot of big plays from the junior this season.

Season outlook: Central was one of the youngest teams in the area last season, but 80% of the starters from that lineup are back and Sims, a Notre Dame transfer, gives the team an element of surprise on offense and a playmaker on defense.

With three straight home games to open the season, the team is excited to get going and see how it stands right away in nonregion meetings with Notre Dame and Tyner.

“The boys are excited, and we are glad they are going to get to play,” Jones said.