By Justin Sampson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
After two years in the Ozark Conference, the Central Bulldogs will reclaim their independent status for the 2020 season.
One motivation behind the switch was to help the football program schedule more competitive matchups. The first four opponents on the upcoming slate, Eldon, Rogers-Heritage (Ark.), Fort Scott (Kan.), and Rogers (Ark.), combined for three wins in 2019.
“If all goes well, we have a favorable schedule that we can build from,” second-year head coach Shem Johnson said. “Wins cure everything, and competitive games cure a lot. We are not looking by anyone. We have 7A teams from Arkansas, then mainly Class 3 and 4 teams. We know they will still want to throw everything at a Class 5 school like us.”
Central is still looking to snap a losing streak that dates back to 2015. Since going 6-5 that year, the Bulldogs have lost 41 straight contests. Consistently low numbers in the program means that nearly every player on the roster has seen the field. That translates to a junior class with a bevy of varsity experience this year.
“Everybody has their role to play and they understand that. We are bringing the new guys along slowly. Last year, it was trial by fire, and for the most part, they passed. They were successful because we got what we needed from them. It’s about keeping your spirit up. They are more experienced and ready to get after it now. It has been a good summer camp in that regard.”
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Junior Jayden Mercado will step back into the quarterback role after a Week 1 injury prevented him from running the offense for most of last year. Johnson has been impressed with the resilience Mercado has shown in working his way back to playing shape.
“He is a good leader from the standpoint of knowing what is happening and getting guys in the right place,” he said. “The experience he went through just trying to get back healthy, that’s paid off. He is just too hungry now.”
Fellow junior Isaiah Harvey took over quarterback duties after Mercado’s injury, but will transition back to ball carrying duties this fall.
“Quarterback wasn’t his natural position, but he stepped up and we got what we could out of him when he was front and center. Now, he can go back to being that true, utility athlete for us.”
Gary Shockley, another junior, could be the biggest weapon on the Central offense. At 6’4”, his presence has encouraged Johnson to air it out more.
“We will look to him a lot. He has the ability to stretch the field. He is a jumper and can cover a lot of ground. If we need someone to get down the field in a hurry, he is that guy. All you have to do is throw it up and he will go grab it.”
Senior Joshua Roberts and junior Jacob Brazeal are also back as key contributors on the offensive line. Brazeal is highly touted for his size (6’3”, 300 lbs.) and will slot in on the defensive line. Roberts will platoon the linebacking corps, as will senior newcomer Clayton Taylor.
Taylor also expects to see a hybrid role as a halfback/fullback.
Beyond prepping every last player to participate in meaningful snaps, Johnson has also been cautious to keep everyone healthy in the midst of MSHSAA and MFCA guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bulldogs want every player safe and available as they try to build momentum this fall.
“We have to be careful about what we do and being as safe as we can,” he said. “We don’t have the numbers or the ability to platoon. Everybody is here to contribute, so it’s an everybody or nobody situation.”
The Bulldogs are scheduled to travel to Eldon to open the season on Aug. 28.
