Optimistic Chargers Look to Redeem Themselves in 2016–17
Finishing 6–4 last season along with missing the playoffs left a bitter taste in the mouths of Central’s football program.
Our guys have been waiting for the 2016–17 season to start every since we walked off of the field last year. We were disappointed in ourselves for missing the playoffs last season given the experience and talent we had out there. Our goals this year are to win the region and get into the playoffs because once you get in anything can happen,” says Head Coach Jesse Hicks.
Replacing starting quarterback & Region 2AAA Offensive Player of the year, Derrick Evans (Carson-Newman) will be a tough task to fulfill. However, the Chargers have two more than capable candidates in the fold. Donald Lamb (Soph.) and Stephon Jones (Sr.) have been competing all offseason long to see who will be called upon to fill the void left behind by Evans. At this point, the quarterback competition is still open.
Although Central is not as individually talented as they have been over the past couple of seasons, they appear to be a more balanced team from top to bottom. Senior running back, Antonio Sanders will lead the way on offense while Jaren Harris anchors the defense. Also returning with redemption on their minds are All-Region selectees Javious Johnson & Kameron Adkins.
#5 Antonio “Nuke” Sanders (Sr.)
Running Back: 6'1" 205lbs
2015–16 Statistics
Rushing: 787yds 6tds
Sanders is a physical runner with breakaway speed. After jumping out to a promising start last season, he was hobbled by a nagging ankle injury that forced him to miss a substantial amount of time.
Despite missing games, the 6-foot-1 bruiser still did enough to turn the heads of several LM & HM D-1 programs. In fact, he was recently offered by Miami (OH). Look for Sanders to be one of the top rushers in the GHSA Class AAA this season. In addition, he is expected to see time on defense as well.
College Interest: Georgia Southern, GT & Murray St. Offers: Miami (OH)
#7 Jaren Harris (Sr.)
Cornerback: 5'8" 170lbs
2015–16 Statistics
Defense: 49tckls 2int
Harris is a ball-hawking cornerback who is always seemingly a blink of an eye away from a pick-six. He is the top returning defensive back for the Chargers and will be looked upon to anchor the secondary.
The 5-foot-8 cover corner attended several off-season camps where he had above average showings in front of college coaches. As of late, interest has started to pick up on Harris. He is hearing from LM programs and has a couple of offers looming.
College Interest: Benedict, GSU, Kennesaw St., and West Ga. among others
*Chargers on the rise: Kanuri Williams & Xavier Wesley
Season Opener: August 27, 2016 (7pm)
Central Charger vs. Mt. de Sales Cavaliers — Henderson Stadium
2016–17 Full Schedule
Go Chargers!
