The Central Eagles Look to Take the Final Step

Pageland, SC--Momentum in sports often hinges on big plays or big wins, but it never lasts beyond the season. A new season, especially in high school sports, means starting from scratch. Players graduate and a new team tries to build or improve on what last year's team accomplished.

In his first two seasons as head coach Johnathan Eason renewed expectations for the Eagles. Central combined to win 21 games the last two seasons. They fell just one game short of the 2A State Championship game. The Eagles lost 43-22 to the Hampton County Hurricanes in the South Carolina Lower State Championship.

Central loses 22 seniors that helped the Eagles to their best season in 15 years. Senior quarterback Dwayne Louallen leads a senior class of looking to fill the void. Eason is counting on senior offensive lineman Brandon Streater, wide receiver and defensive back Aiden Welch, tight end and linebacker Cody Branham, wide receiver and defensive back Dylan Tomberlin, and running back and linebacker Marzavious Allen to step up as well. As with Louallen all are multi-year starters.

"He (Louallen) will be the focal point of our offense," Eason said. "We need him to be a great leader and take control of the offense...I'm excited to see him take the next step as a player...I want him to be a coach on the field."

Leading rushers Aiden Short, Ashten Wilson and Jakari Holloman all graduated. Allen is the new lead back, but Eason expects plenty of other players to share the load. "Daleyon Fair, Martell Ruben, Gaib Bracy, and Jaden Robinson will all probably get carries."

Branham, Ruben, Blake Sowell, and NJ Henry may see time at receiver and running back. Eason believes Darin Gaines experience can help bolster the receiving core as well. "The timing (between Louallen and the receivers) is getting better every day, but it is always a work in progress," he added.

At the 2A level in high school many players start on both sides of the ball. Eason believes four players could see time on both sides of the line: Cohen Phillips, Damir Baker, while Tahir Wise and Timmy Tyson may see time at tight end and on the defensive line.

Jaylen Davis and Ruben will start at inside linebacker, Welch and Fair man the outside linebacker spots.

"I think they can be very good," Eason said of his young secondary. Dylan Tombelin returns at free safety, Eason expects Maurice Baxter, Henry, and Kenyan Robinson to see time at cornerback.

Starting kicker Yahir Aguilar underwent surgery to remove his appendix. Eason expects him to miss the first couple of weeks of the season. Henry, Tomberlin, Welch, and Baxter will be given the opportunity to return kicks.

Eason believes his team learned to win in his first two seasons "We just have to make sure we keep the same mindset and continue to grow together," he added. "Combine that with not making costly mistakes and you have a chance to win a lot of games."

Central's final tune up before the season is tomorrow night. The Eagles take on the Forest Hills Yellow Jackets as part of the jamboree at Chesterfield. Central kicks off the season at the Lewisville Lions on August 21.