The Extra Point: Chasing Greatness

Falcon Nation,

We’re excited to share this week’s edition of The Extra Point: Chasing Greatness, your weekly inside look at Falcon Football. As we move into Week 5 and Game 6, this update will spotlight standout performances, recap defining moments from recent matchups, and honor the relentless dedication our players show on and off the field.

Our focus has not changed—staying connected as we chase greatness together. Every drill, every snap, and every extra point matters, and your support continues to push our team to give their all.

Thank you for standing strong with us week after week. Let’s keep soaring high, united in our mission, and make this season unforgettable!

With appreciation,
Coach Pippen

Big congratulations to our JV team! They kept the momentum rolling in Game 2 with a 20–12 victory over Bessemer City! 🏈🔥

Don’t miss the action — tonight, Monday, September 22nd at 6:00 PM at Northridge, our team takes on Northridge under the lights for some exciting Monday Night Football for Game 3!

Each team went into Week 4, Game 5 with a 3–1 record — Central sitting No. 4 in Class 6A Region 4 and Northridge at No. 5. Friday night was a reset for the Falcons: Central left with a 31–30 overtime win, bumped to 4–1 overall and 2–1 in region play, and can claim City bragging rights after a 35–0 statement over Bryant and this instant-classic vs. the Jaguars.

The game opened with fireworks — Central struck early in the second quarter on a 57-yard catch-and-run to break the ice, but Northridge answered immediately with a kickoff-return score to keep the crowd buzzing. Armani White kept the offense balanced, delivering timely throws (White finished the night with a strong passing line) while Anthony Dixon Jr. turned into a one-man ground attack: 157 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries, breaking tackles and chewing clock whenever the Jaguars tried to rally. That physical run game was the heartbeat of the night.

Central’s defense and special teams made the plays that mattered — a Northridge fumble just before the half swung momentum and the Falcons added a field goal to take a 17–14 edge into the locker room. The second half was push-and-pull: Central punched in a 10-yard TD run to go ahead late, Northridge answered, and a missed 46-yard field-goal attempt at the end of regulation sent us to overtime. Through it all the Falcons were opportunistic and physical — running game controlling the clock, the front making third-down stops when it counted.

Overtime was ugly-good football — Central put points on the board on the first OT possession, and Northridge answered with a touchdown of their own when Mayson Elam found Espey in the back corner. But when the Jaguars went for two and the win, Central’s defense refused to bend and the conversion attempt failed — final 31–30.

This game was raw. It was not clean, but it was Central: a dominant ground performance led by Dixon, clutch throws from White, timely defensive turnovers, and enough grit to finish. That’s the kind of win that adds to momentum during a season.

🏆 City Champs! #CTO

A huge THANK YOU to Tuscaloosa City Schools for covering the Central vs. Northridge showdown on Friday, September 19th! Your support helps capture the energy, excitement, and spirit of our Falcons on the field.

Special shout-outs to Mr. Dave Crutchfield for the jaw-dropping game photos and Mr. Eddie McClinton for the highlight-worthy video coverage. We appreciate you helping us relive every touchdown, tackle, and victory!

This week, we are proud to shine a spotlight on Braylond Smith, a Central High School alumnus, Class of 2025, and freshman at Wallace State in Selma, where he is majoring in Welding. Braylond is no stranger to hard work and dedication—both on the field and now behind the camera.

At Central, Braylond was a standout multi-sport athlete, excelling in both football and baseball. On the gridiron, he played linebacker and defensive back from 2023 to 2025, making a name for himself with his relentless energy and leadership. His 2024 season was especially dominant: 71 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two defensive touchdowns, a sack, and an interception, earning him a spot on The Tuscaloosa News’ 2024 All-Area football team. The year before, he tallied 33 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception across 10 games. Beyond athletics, Braylond also thrived in the classroom, posting a 4.0 GPA in 2024 and a 3.7 GPA in 2023—a true example of excellence on and off the field.

Now, Braylond is channeling that same drive into a new passion: photography. Having always enjoyed looking back at photos after games, he decided to pick up a camera just three months ago, determined to give today’s athletes the same gift of lasting memories. His favorite moment so far came on the sidelines of the Central vs. Northridge rivalry game, where he captured the intensity of a nail-biter matchup from a fresh, behind-the-lens perspective.

For Braylond, photography is more than a hobby—it is an outlet and a side hustle that allows him to stay connected to sports while exploring new ways to tell stories. Looking forward, he plans to continue pursuing athletics while keeping photography a part of his journey.

📸 Follow Braylond’s journey and see more of his work here:
Instagram: @brayvizuals

The Falcons enter Week 5 with a 4–1 record and a 2–1 mark in Region 4, coming off a nail-biting 31–30 overtime win against Northridge. That victory not only reinforced Central’s standing as City Champs but also showcased the team’s resilience after a 28–7 loss at Bessemer City sandwiched between two huge wins.

Central has been firing on all cylinders on both sides of the ball. Offensively, QB Armani White continues to lead with poise, connecting when it counts, while RB Anthony Dixon Jr. powers the ground game — 157 yards and two touchdowns against Northridge alone. But it is the defense that has kept the Falcons in every game. Linebacker Kaelon Simmons has been a tackling machine, shutting down runs before they can develop, and defensive back Jackson Carlisle has been opportunistic in coverage, creating turnovers and breaking up key passes. Central’s defenders will need to be alert against Gardendale’s front, especially the Rockets’ defensive line anchored by Malik McClain and Trevon Lewis, who consistently pressure quarterbacks and disrupt opposing backfields.

Gardendale comes in 0–5, and is coming off a heartbreaker against Minor, a 35–33 loss in which the Rockets nearly broke through for their first win. Central cannot overlook a desperate opponent capable of putting points on the board. That’s where the Falcons’ defense will be critical — containing explosive plays, forcing mistakes, and giving the offense the opportunities it needs to control the game.

This road trip is another test for Central, but with balanced play on offense and a defense that has proven capable of bending without breaking, the Falcons have every tool to secure this win. A victory would move Central to 5–1 overall, 3–1 in region play, and strengthen their claim as top contenders in Class 6A, Region 4.

Central Falcons

• Anthony Dixon Jr. (RB/WR): The heartbeat of Central’s offense. Dixon leads the team in rushing yards (~135.5 per game) and continues to be a dual threat, mixing in receiving when defenses load the box. He’s a physical runner who can flip the field in a hurry, and last week’s 157-yard, 2-TD performance against Northridge proves he’s unstoppable when he hits his stride.
• Armani White (Jr, QB): The steady hand under center. White manages the offense with precision, using his arm and field awareness to open up lanes for Dixon and the Falcons’ playmakers. He doesn’t need 30 throws to make an impact — a few key completions can swing momentum, and his poise in clutch moments has been central to Central’s wins.
• Marcus Muse (Jr, DL): A disruptor in the trenches. Muse has forced turnovers, recorded a sack, and even snagged an interception. When he gets going, he shifts the energy of the game and creates opportunities for the Falcon defense to take over.
• TaQuarious Henderson (So, LB): Young, but deadly. Henderson co-leads the team in sacks (~2.0) and is a tackling machine, able to sniff out plays in the backfield and slow down even the most dynamic runners.
• Jasiuah Rainer (Sr, S): Central’s top tackler and a ballhawk in coverage. Rainer has the range and instincts to make stops all over the field, which will be crucial against a team like Gardendale that likes to mix up its offensive looks.
• Kannon Atkinson-Eubanks (Sr, WR): A deep threat and reliable outside target. Eubanks stretches the defense and opens space underneath for Dixon and the short passing game.

• Chris Jackson (Fr, CB/WR): The young dual-threat who leads the Rockets in rushing (41 YPG) and also contributes in the passing game. Jackson’s speed and field awareness make him dangerous on both sides of the ball, and Central will need to contain him early.

• Walter Tamper (Sr, RB/QB): Gardendale’s offensive catalyst, responsible for three passing TDs and leading the running game when called upon. His versatility keeps defenses guessing and is the engine behind Gardendale’s close losses.

• Brooks Beasley (Fr, WR): Emerging as a red-zone threat, Beasley can score from anywhere and will challenge Central’s defensive backs to stay disciplined on every snap.

• Montavious Evans (Jr, WR): Adds another dynamic weapon for Gardendale, contributing both in rushing and receiving. He’s a playmaker who can swing momentum with a big catch or run.

• Amari Thrasher (So, RB): Leading the team in receiving yards per game (66.5), Thrasher is explosive and can break a game open with a single play. Central’s secondary will need to stay alert to limit his impact.

Falcon Nation,

Your support at our games is unmatched, and we appreciate your enthusiasm! To ensure the safety, focus, and performance of our student-athletes, sideline, media, and recruiting access is strictly limited — effective as of September 8, 2025.

Who is Permitted Access

Only the following individuals are allowed in restricted areas during home and away games:

• Players, coaches, and team managers

• Official trainers, student trainers, and medical personnel

• Media representatives with approved credentials

• School officials or personnel working in an official capacity with the team

• College and university coaches with approved recruiting/scouting passes

• Individuals holding an approved pass from the CHS Falcons Football Program
  
  

Anyone without a valid pass, or not working in an approved role, will be escorted from the restricted areas immediately. Children and students that are not in grades 9-12 should remain under parental supervision at all times and should not enter the players'/coaches' area during the game. Failure to comply may result in removal from the game and could lead to a ban from future Central Falcons football events.

Want Access?

Complete your request by visiting: chs.tuscaloosacityschools.com/athletics/football

• Click the appropriate access request tab, read all instructions, and complete the Google Form.
• All requests are subject to approval. An email will be sent within 24 hours after the form closes to notify you of your approval status.

• Not all requests will be filled, as space on the sideline and in media areas is limited. By submitting the respective form, you agree to follow all CHS Football pass policies and rules.

This policy is in place to protect our athletes, maintain game focus, and ensure a safe environment for all. We appreciate your cooperation and continued support for our Falcons.

Thank you for helping keep Falcon football safe, focused, and chasing greatness!

Tuscaloosa City Schools now requires us to communicate with all players, parents, community members/partners, etc. through ParentSquare. To stay connected with announcements, schedules, and special sponsor updates, we encourage you to join our Falcon Football ParentSquare Groups by clicking the appropriate link below.

These incredible businesses and individuals contributed $1,000 or more to support Central High School Falcon Football through our 2025 Sponsor the Nest Campaign!

Your sponsorship will directly support essential team operations, including:

• Team travel and trips

• New uniforms and equipment

• Facility improvements and maintenance

• Team meals and snacks

• Sanitation supplies and laundry detergent

• Video and technology upgrades

With your generous support, we can continue Chasing Greatness in the 2025 season and build on our 5–5 record from 2024 under the leadership of Head Coach DeMario Pippen. As proud members of 6A Region 4 of the AHSAA, we are committed to taking our program to the next level—with your help. We are pleased to offer the following sponsorship opportunities:

🏈 First Down Sponsor – $1,000

• 6x4 business advertisement sign prominently displayed at our 15th Street Gate from May 2025 to May 2026

• Two (2) complimentary tickets per home game

• Four (4) business PA announcements per home game -- (e.g., “That’s a Thomas’ Rib Shack First Down!” – limited to two sponsors per game)

• Recognition on social media and our team website

• Falcons Football t-shirt as a thank-you gift
  
  

🦅 Falcon Pride Sponsor – $500

• 4x3 business advertisement displayed at all home games

• One (1) complimentary ticket per home game

• Two (2) business PA announcements per home game

• Recognition on social media and the team website

• Falcons Football decal/sticker or hat as a thank-you gift
  
  

🎯 Field Goal Sponsor – $250

• 2x2 business advertisement displayed at all home games

• One (1) business PA announcement per home game

• Recognition on the Falcons Football website

• Social media shoutout during the season

• Falcons Football decal/sticker as a thank-you gift

We are excited to share that, with your support, our Snap! Raise Campaign raised $5,830!

Your generosity helps provide our student-athletes with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed on and off the field. We are truly grateful for every donation, share, and word of encouragement. Your support makes a lasting difference in the lives of our players and our program.

If you are still interested in donating or becoming a sponsor, please contact Coach Pippen at dpippen@tusc.k12.al.us or Miss Quarles at kquarles@tusc.k12.al.us.

Together, we are building something special!

Missed a previous edition? Catch up on all things Falcon Football — game recaps, highlights, and exclusive updates — in our newsletter archive.

Week 0 Recap vs. TCHS + Week 1 Preview @ Calera

Week 1 Recap @ Calera + Week 2 Preview @ Bryant

Week 2 Recap @ Bryant + Week 3 Preview @ Bessemer City
Week 3 Recap @ Bessemer City + Week 4 Preview vs. Northridge
Week 4 Recap vs. Northridge + Week 5 Preview @ Gardendale