Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, has come pretty close to winning a coveted state football championship title the past two seasons. This year head coach Jamey DuBose and his Red Devils are working toward making a third trip to the state semi-finals in as many years and coming back this time with the winner’s trophy.
Sometimes a loss at the last stage of the season overshadows the accomplishments of a winning team. Central had an outstanding 2016 season. Their 10-2 overall record includes a 6-0 region record making the Red Devils the 2/7A Region Champs.
Since DuBose came on board as head of the Central football program four years ago, the Red Devils have steadily moved forward with a successful game plan. The team’s 2016 region championship was the third in a row. Many of DuBose’s players from the past three seasons have moved to the next level of play upon graduation and the reputation of the Red Devils as a serious contender has escalated.
Senior leadership on the 2016 team proved to be strong. Running Back Jaxton Carson garnered a lot of attention, ending the season with 167 carries for a total of 1428 yards and 20 TDs. Quarterback Zion Webb passed for 1698 yards out of 228 attempts. Leading tackler for the Red Devils was Jarious Upshaw with 83.
Although Central will sorely miss the talents of those athletes and others like Markail Benton (LB) and Karon Delince (WR), the Red Devils will get another season of outstanding play from some returning athletes. Cornerback Damon Jones led the team in interceptions with five and notable college prospect wide receiver Justyn Ross had 38 receptions for 725 yards last year.
Ross is joined on the college prospect list by Jahlil Ryles (OL), DeAnthony Miles (DL), Tyler Moore (DE) and Jamaar Spivey (RB). Twelve returning starters will be a big plus for the Red Devils, five on offense and seven defensive players, including two more wide receivers, Anthony Miles and KJ Brooks. Kinnis Dixon (DL), Jalin Johnson (DL), MJ Woods (S) and DJ Rias (ATH) round out the roster of returning players.
Top academic athletes are Josh Ford (C) who has a 3.6 GPA and Tommy Vickers (Slot Receiver) with a 4.0 GPA.
Success breeds interest and Central’s successful football program has steadily grown in numbers. DuBose feels the team’s greatest strength is the defensive line, a lot of depth and team speed. Lack of offensive starters in the backfield and linebackers are among the staff worries for the 2017 season. DuBose should be able to pull from the 150 athletes who will make up the program this season to fill in the blanks left due to the 2016 graduating class.
There will be no coaching changes from the previous season and basically no changes in DuBose’s coaching philosophy. He is sticking with what works, a spread offense and 3-4 defense. With a 100-37-0 coaching record, DuBose has confidence in a team that plays smart, fast and physical.
With such a winning program, the Red Devils probably need little motivation, especially with the prospect of another run at region and state championships, but wise coaches know there is always room for improvement. According to DuBose, practice and studying their opponents is important, but hard work on a daily basis is what builds his program.
The biggest lesson from the 2016 season? Well, DuBose feels his team needs to work on “eliminating distractions and continuing to focus deep into the playoffs.”
Perhaps one of Central’s best tools for preparing for another winning season is the new expansion facility opened this winter at the school. Costing over $3 million, the facility houses many features for training and physical education, but maybe the most impressive is the indoor artificial turf practice field. It allows the team to practice during inclement weather or whenever safe heat guidelines force athletes indoors.
Such a new facility only adds to the excitement of the upcoming season. By DuBose’s measure, every season could be a winning season because the veteran coach knows winning isn’t just about the score.
“A winning season for me would be that every player would have a rewarding experience and develop relationships for life,” he said. “Players would understand team and working together.”
The Red Devils first game will come against Bob Jones, whom DuBose describes as 7A contender. His goals are simple for the season beginning with that season opener.
“Win Region. Win South Championship. Win State Championship.”
Columbus Valley/Fall football preview/August 2017
Central High School
Phenix City, Alabama
By Beth Welch
