FOOTBALL UPDATE: Now We Go!

Shreveport - Now We Go!

Three words … One message. Centenary head football coach Byron Dawson is on a mission and it is full speed ahead.

The Gents will not officially take the field until the Fall of 2024, but construction on the new facilities and the steps to building a program from scratch are happening on a daily basis on campus. Centenary will play a handful of scrimmages and exhibition contests this fall to be ready for 2024.

"We have two goals for this season - We want to master the fundamentals and play as a team," said Dawson.

"What makes a team great is connecting - building unity, chemistry, and trust which is earned daily. I can't wait to start the growth process. We have recruited some high character student-athletes that can play and are eager to play."

"Recruiting is a constant. We currently have around 75 student-athletes committed to play this fall. We are also hosting two football camps this summer and are currently offering 2024 student-athletes. Most recently, we completed our first "Jr. Day" and it was a great success."

The Gents will face East Texas Baptist University in a scrimmage at home on Thursday, Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. as fans and local media can get their first glimpse of the Maroon and White at Mayo Field. Centenary will also play three games at Independence Stadium and a pair at Evangel Christian Academy, where Dawson starred as a high school athlete.

Centenary will scrimmage Millsaps College on Saturday, Aug. 19 in Jackson, Miss. The Gents will play four games at home in September, beginning with a contest against Community Christian College on Sept. 9 at Evangel, then play three-straight games at Independence Stadium – Sept. 16 versus John Melvin at 6 p.m., Sept. 23 against the Memphis Gators (1 p.m.), and Sept. 30 versus the Haywood Crushers (1 p.m.).

The Gents will play at John Melvin on Oct. 14, at home against TWA College on Oct. 18, at Lyon College on Oct. 22, face Texas Lutheran's JV squad on Oct. 30 in Ft. Worth, Texas, and finish at Arkansas Baptist on Nov. 4. All dates and times are subject to change.

"I couldn't be more pleased with the reception from the local community. I can feel that everyone is excited about having college football in this great city. The time is getting close and the first game will be an historical event."

"I am currently interviewing prospective coaches for my staff. We just recently added Calvin Brown as assistant strength coach and Outside Linebackers coach. The staff will be completed by early July." 

#GoCentenary #CTheOpportunity