The Extra Point: Chasing Greatness
Recapping the Journey to Greatness.
September 15, 2025
Falcon Nation,
We are thrilled to bring you the latest edition of The Extra Point: Chasing Greatness, our weekly football newsletter. As we enter Week 4 and Game 5 of the season, this recap will highlight standout players, share key moments from the past games, and celebrate the relentless effort our team is putting in on and off the field.
Our mission remains the same—keep you connected to the journey as we chase greatness together. Every practice, every snap, and every extra point counts, and your energy and support continue to fuel our players to give their very best.
Thank you for standing behind our program week after week. Let us continue to soar high, stay united, and make this season one to remember!
With gratitude,
Coach Pippen
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:
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Players, coaches, and team managers
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Official trainers, student trainers, and medical personnel
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Media representatives with approved credentials
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School officials or personnel working in an official capacity with the team
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College and university coaches with approved recruiting/scouting passes
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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. 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!
JV vs Bessemer City
Congratulations to our JV team for defeating Bryant last Monday, 18-6.
Join us today, Monday, September 15th at Falcon Field at 6:00 PM to cheer them on as they take on Bessemer City for some Monday Night Football!
Grounded in Bessemer: Falcons Suffer First Loss
Each team went into Week 3, Game 4, with a 3–0 record, and the stage was set for an early-season showdown between two programs on the rise. Central walked into Friday night’s matchup with Bessemer City ready to prove the streak was real. Instead, they ran head-on into a Tigers team that has been steamrolling everyone in its path. By the final whistle, the Falcons had been handed their first loss of the season, 28–7, and Bessemer had extended its perfect start to 4–0.
For Central, the night belonged to a few standout performers. Anthony Dixon carried the offense with 79 rushing yards on just nine carries and added 37 more receiving yards, showing the burst and vision that make him a constant threat. Quarterback Armani White added 125 passing yards on 9-of-17 attempts and even threw a 37-yard completion, keeping the Falcons’ aerial attack alive. But the highlight for Central came when Kannon Atkinson Eubanks hauled in a 37-yard reception for the Falcons’ only touchdown, capped by a successful PAT from Graham Wolfe, giving Central their lone 7 points. Tra’Von Hall also contributed with 36 receiving yards, keeping drives moving, but the offense could never fully crack the Tigers’ defense.
Central’s offensive balance was evident, though, with the team totaling 242 all-purpose yards. Dixon led the charge with 116 combined rushing and receiving yards, White added 163 yards through the air and on the ground, Eubanks contributed 41 receiving yards, and Hall chipped in 36 yards. Every Falcons’ player brought effort and skill, but Bessemer’s control of the line of scrimmage and clock management limited their opportunities to turn yards into points.
The Tigers leaned on what has become their identity: efficiency, balance, and punishing defense. Every time Central looked ready to string a drive together, Bessemer tightened the screws. Third downs felt like uphill battles, and open lanes closed in a hurry. The Falcons’ 35-point eruption against Bryant the week before felt like a distant memory as Bessemer dictated the tempo and forced Central into uncomfortable positions.
The turning point came late in the first half. Central had built some momentum behind Dixon and White and looked poised to punch in another score that could shift the tone. Instead, Bessemer’s defense stiffened near the red zone, forcing a turnover on downs. The Tigers responded with a long, grinding drive capped off by a touchdown, flipping what could have been a one-score game into a two-possession deficit. From there, Central was playing catch-up, and Bessemer never looked back.
Momentum swung harder in the second half. With Central trailing and desperate for a comeback, Bessemer punched in scores that not only extended the lead but also drained the Falcons’ energy. By the time the fourth quarter arrived, the Tigers were in full control—just as they had been in every game this season. Four weeks in, every Bessemer victory has come by 20 points or more, and Friday night was no different.
Central’s defense battled hard. Markelyn Thomas recorded an interception, TaQuarius Henderson recorded a sack and a tackle for loss, and the Falcons tallied 70 total tackles. But the constant strain of defending short fields and answering a relentless Bessemer offense eventually wore them down. The Tigers didn’t need explosive plays—they simply executed, wore down the clock, and cashed in when it mattered most.
The loss drops Central to 3–1 and marks their third straight defeat against the Tigers, a reminder of the gap that still exists between the two programs. Yet, it also sharpens the focus for what comes next. With a crosstown showdown against Northridge looming, the Falcons know exactly what kind of response is required. Bessemer, meanwhile, marches on as one of the hottest teams in the state, their eyes already fixed on Hueytown. Four games, four dominant wins, and a growing reputation as a team built for November.
Friday night in Bessemer, the Tigers roared again—and the Falcons, for the first time this season, found themselves grounded.
From the sidelines, Ben has found a whole new way to connect with the game. Through his lens, he captures the energy of competition, the emotion of athletes giving their all, and the unforgettable spirit that fills every stadium and gym. His favorite moment comes right before kickoff—standing in front of the banner as players rip through it. For Ben, it is more than just a shot; it’s a tradition that symbolizes excitement, anticipation, and pride.
Ben’s work is more than images—it is storytelling. Each picture reflects his appreciation for the hard work, intensity, and passion that make sports so powerful. He believes every athlete deserves to have those moments remembered, and his dedication ensures that players, families, and fans will have lasting memories to look back on.
Looking toward the future, Ben has big aspirations. While he is still exploring his options for college, his ultimate dream is to work for ESPN, sharing stories on the biggest stage in sports. With his talent, determination, and passion for communication, Ben is already laying the foundation for a bright career in the sports media world.
📸 You can follow Ben’s journey and see more of his work here:
Instagram: @briches_media
Twitter: @benrichesmedia
Falcon Nation is cheering him on!
🏆 The Battle for Tuscaloosa: Central vs. Northridge History
Tuscaloosa’s cross-town rivalry between Central High School and Northridge High School is more than just a game—it is a story of history, pride, and intense competition. Central High first opened its doors in 1979, merging the city’s previously segregated schools, Druid High and Tuscaloosa High, into one powerhouse program. For two decades, Central thrived both academically and athletically, earning a reputation for excellence.
Everything changed in the early 2000s when the Tuscaloosa City Schools district underwent a controversial reorganization. With a federal desegregation order lifted in 1999, the district split Central into three new schools: Central, Northridge, and Paul W. Bryant. The move left Central in a predominantly minority, working-class area, while Northridge was built across the Black Warrior River in a wealthier, higher socioeconomic status community. Critics called it a “re-segregation,” and from that moment, the stage was set for one of Tuscaloosa’s most intense rivalries.
More than JUST a Game. This rivalry is never simply about football—it is about bragging rights, pride, and the heart of each school community. Over the years, the matchups have been unforgettable. In 2021, tensions ran so high that a Friday night game had to be postponed to Saturday morning after a viral video of a Northridge student making disparaging remarks went public. Despite the drama, both teams brought their best, with Northridge taking a 35-16 victory. In 2024, Northridge narrowly edged out Central 17-10 in another thrilling contest, but the Falcons have proven they can fight back—like in 2023 when Central claimed the inaugural City of Tuscaloosa Mayor/Council Football Champion Trophy, defeating Northridge 13-12 and Paul W. Bryant 42-27 under the leadership of returning head coach, DeMario Pippen.
Central’s Comeback. After facing challenges in the years following the split, Central has been on the rise again. The 2025 season started strong, signaling a resurgence for a program determined to reclaim its spot at the top. Every game against Northridge is a chance to show how far the Falcons have come and to continue the legacy of hard-fought, high-stakes football.
Northridge’s Consistency. Though newer, Northridge has made its mark quickly. Since its founding in 2003, the Jaguars have built a competitive program across multiple sports. In football, they have had standout seasons, including a 10-2 record in 2011, and they continue to challenge Central every step of the way.
Why You Cannot Miss This Game. The Central vs. Northridge rivalry is about history, pride, and community. It is about passionate fans filling the stands and athletes leaving everything on the field. Whether you have followed this rivalry for decades or you are just joining in, this game is a must-watch. It is more than football—it is a Tuscaloosa tradition.
Falcons Meet Jaguars in Region Test
The lights will burn bright this Friday night as two Tuscaloosa programs with plenty to prove square off. The Central Falcons return home looking to rebound after their first stumble of the season, while the Northridge Jaguars arrive riding the momentum of a dominant win. Both squads bring firepower, both have pride on the line, and both know region play is where reputations are made. This is not just another game on the schedule—it is a test of identity, toughness, and who can rise when the stage gets big.
The Falcons’ Flight. Central, meanwhile, knows the sting of coming up short. Last week’s 28–7 loss to Bessemer City snapped their early momentum, but it does not erase the statement wins they put together to open the year. From the rivalry rout of Paul W. Bryant to a strong showing at Calera, the Falcons have proven they can fly when their offense is clicking.
At the heart of everything is Anthony Dixon, the junior back who has been nothing short of electric. Dixon runs with a blend of power and burst, capable of dragging tacklers for extra yards or cutting loose for explosive gains. His 79 rushing yards against Bessemer City came on limited touches, but in earlier wins, he’s flirted with the kind of production that can take over games.
Quarterback Armani White provides the Falcons with balance. While not asked to throw 30 times a night, White has shown he can deliver when it matters, connecting with receivers like Kannon Atkinson-Eubanks—who hauled in a 37-yard touchdown last week—and senior Marcus Grayson, who gives Central a steady target across the middle. The Falcons’ offense thrives when White and Dixon complement each other, forcing defenses to pick their poison.
Defensively, Central brings grit. Seniors Jasiuah Rainer and Kaelon Simmons anchor a unit that has played with toughness all season, highlighted by the shutout of Bryant. Sophomore TaQuarious Henderson has flashed as a disruptive presence, notching a sack last week. If Central is going to slow down Northridge, it will take a full-unit effort, with pursuit and discipline from the front seven and tight coverage on the back end.
The Jaguars’ Roar. Northridge enters Friday night with confidence and rhythm, fueled by a balanced attack that has been hard to slow down this season. Senior quarterback Mayson Elam has emerged as the steady hand guiding the offense, throwing for 234 yards and four touchdowns in last week’s rout of Brookwood. He is been more than just a passer—his decision-making has allowed his playmakers to shine. Receivers Adam Hall and Keith Powell each stretched the field for scores against Brookwood, while versatile back Jaylin McCray added both rushing and receiving production to keep the chains moving.
On the ground, the Jaguars have leaned on a committee that isn’t flashy but is effective. Sophomore Damarcus Wilder and junior Magnus Greimel have chipped in alongside McCray, giving Northridge a stable of backs who can gash defenses for steady gains. The result? An offense that does not just move the ball—it dictates tempo, forcing defenses to cover every inch of the field.
Defensively, Northridge’s strength lies in its discipline and depth. Senior linebacker Miller Arendale has been a tackling machine, while Cedric Tinker and Anthony Hyche have made their presence felt up front with pressure and stops behind the line. When the Jaguars swarm, they don’t just stop drives—they suffocate momentum.
A Battle of Identities. This matchup feels like a contrast in football philosophies. Northridge thrives on balance and versatility, spreading the ball around and attacking from every angle. Central leans on its ground game, relying on Dixon to set the tone while White picks his spots in the air. It is strength-on-strength—Northridge’s ability to stretch the field against Central’s ability to control the clock.
Momentum could be everything. If Northridge jumps out early with quick scores, Central will be forced to chase, which takes the Falcons out of their comfort zone. If Central establishes Dixon early and strings together long drives, Northridge could find itself in a slower, grind-it-out type of game.
What’s on the Line. Beyond the region implications, this is about pride in Tuscaloosa. Central wants to prove last week’s stumble was a blip, not a turning point. Northridge wants to cement itself as a team capable of making a deep run, showing it can handle the grind of region play. For the players, this is about more than stats and standings—it is about leaving no doubt under the lights.
When the Falcons take flight and the Jaguars bare their claws, fans can expect a clash that showcases the best of high school football: energy, heart, and the thrill of a Friday night where every snap matters.
Falcon Nation, this is our time. Friday night, our boys return home hungry and ready to fight for every yard, every tackle, and every snap. The Jaguars are coming with confidence, but this is our house, and we protect it together. Bring the energy, bring the noise, and let’s lift our Falcons higher as they take flight under the lights.
