The Extra Point: Chasing Greatness
Recapping the Journey to Greatness.
Week 9 Recap @ Hueytown + Week 10 Bye Week
October 27, 2025
A Message from Coach Pippen
Falcon Nation,
We are thrilled to bring you this week’s edition of The Extra Point: Chasing Greatness, your inside look at Falcon Football. Coming off a statement road victory over Hueytown, our Falcons finished the regular season with an impressive 7–2 overall record and 4–2 in 6A Region 4, cementing our spot as the #4 seed in the region. This win represents the hard work, growth, and commitment of every player, coach, and supporter in this program.
As we enjoy a Halloween week bye, our focus turns to resetting and preparing for the postseason. Our journey continues in Round 1 of the 6A playoffs, where we’ll face Benjamin Russell (ranked #1 in 6A Region 3) on Friday, November 7, in Alexander City at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. This week is a chance to rest, recharge, and get ready to bring our best for playoff football.
Your support fuels our drive every week — from the sidelines to the stands, and throughout our community. Thank you for believing in our mission and standing beside us as we continue Chasing Greatness.
With gratitude,
Coach Pippen
Week 9 @ Hueytown Recap 🧱
Falcons Rise on the Road, Stun Hueytown to Close Out Region Play!
It was a statement night under the bright lights in Hueytown, the kind of performance that defines a season and sends a message to everyone watching. The Central Falcons, ranked No. 4 in Class 6A, Region 4, marched into hostile territory and left with a resounding 37–21 victory over top-ranked Hueytown, snapping the Golden Gophers’ three-game winning streak and cementing Central’s place among Alabama’s elite.
A Fast Start and Relentless Energy. From the opening whistle, Central played like a team on a mission. The Falcons’ energy was palpable — disciplined, determined, and undeterred by the noise of the home crowd. Junior quarterback Armani White wasted no time setting the tone, slicing through the Hueytown defense with confident throws and well-timed scrambles. His poise under pressure guided the Falcons on a crisp scoring drive that ended with a 53-yard touchdown connection to Anthony Dixon Jr., putting Central on top early, 7–0.
Hueytown’s defense tried to respond, but Central’s offensive rhythm was unshakable. Behind a strong push from the offensive line, Dixon kept the Gophers guessing with shifty runs and explosive bursts after the catch. By the end of the first quarter, Central’s sideline buzzed with belief, while the home stands grew restless.
Stretching the Lead Before the Half. The second quarter belonged entirely to the Falcons. White and Dixon continued to build on their connection, with Dixon breaking loose on another big play that set up a red-zone opportunity. A few snaps later, White called his own number, powering across the goal line for a rushing touchdown. The drive showcased Central’s offensive balance and composure under pressure.
Defensively, the Falcons were suffocating. Senior Jasiuah Rainer patrolled the secondary like a general, while Jaden Taylor, Marcus Muse, and TaQuarious Henderson collapsed the pocket and swarmed the backfield. Late in the half, Rainer made a statement, reading the quarterback perfectly and returning an interception for a touchdown. As the Falcons headed to the locker room up 21–0, they had completely silenced the Hueytown faithful.
Third Quarter Turning Point. Hueytown opened the second half looking for life, finding the end zone to cut the deficit to 21–7, but the Falcons’ response was immediate. On the ensuing kickoff, Anthony Dixon fielded the ball at full speed, cut past the first wave of defenders, and sprinted 56 yards to the house, a knockout return that instantly shifted momentum back in Central’s favor, 28–7.
The Falcons’ defense refused to yield. Rainer, already having one interception, came up clutch again, snatching another pick to halt a Hueytown drive deep in Central territory. The turnover set up a Graham Wolfe field goal, extending the lead to 31–7 as the Falcons continued to dictate the pace on both sides of the ball.
The Dagger and the Late Rally. Midway through the fourth quarter, Hueytown’s offense pressed for answers, but Central’s defense had all of them. A hurried throw under heavy pressure from Jackson Carlisle, who finished with two sacks, fluttered into traffic and was picked off by the Falcons once more. The turnover set up another scoring drive capped by Dixon’s third touchdown of the night, sealing the deal.
Hueytown managed two late touchdowns to close the gap, but it was far too late. Central’s composure never wavered, and their sideline erupted as the final whistle blew: Central 37, Hueytown 21.
Balanced, Bold, and Battle-Tested. The stat sheet told a story of balance and dominance. Armani White was sensational, finishing 7-of-14 for 152 yards and one touchdown through the air, while adding 63 rushing yards and another score on the ground. Anthony Dixon Jr. delivered a night to remember with 213 all-purpose yards — 116 receiving, 41 rushing, and 56 on special teams — to go with three total touchdowns.
On defense, Jasiuah Rainer anchored the unit with eight tackles, two for loss, a sack, and a pick-six, while Carlisle dominated the trenches with eight tackles and two sacks. The front seven combined for four sacks and two interceptions, proving that Central’s defense can dictate games just as decisively as its offense.
Looking Ahead. With the regular season winding down and playoff football looming, Central leaves Hueytown not just with a victory — but with belief. This win against the region’s top team reinforced what the Falcons already knew: they can compete with anyone, anywhere, when they play their brand of football.
The road to November runs through nights like this — gritty, focused, and fearless. And after Friday, one thing is certain: the Falcons are flying high at exactly the right time.
Players of the Game 🏆
🦅 Falcon Fridays with Ben Riches 🦅
Pictures from Central @ Hueytown 📸
Sideline Showdown Recap Video 🎬
Game Week 10: Bye Week
The Falcons are enjoying a Halloween week bye — time to rest, recharge, and get ready for the postseason! 🦇🎃 Falcon fans, we hope you stay safe and have fun during the holiday weekend.
When the action returns, Central will be ready to bring the heat in Round 1 of the 6A playoffs. The Falcons will face Benjamin Russell (ranked #1 in 6A Region 3) on Friday, November 7, in Alexander City, AL at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. Let’s keep the Falcon pride strong and cheer our team on as they aim for playoff glory!
Players to Watch 👀
Central Falcons 🦅
Lists will be updated next week before the game at Benjamin Russell!
🎉🎂 Happy Birthday, Coach Truss! 🎈
On Tuesday, October 28th, we will celebrate our Offensive Line Coach, Timothy Truss, Jr.'s birthday!
A proud University of West Alabama alum, devoted husband and father, respected mentor, and brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Coach Truss brings over a decade of coaching and teaching experience to the field and the classroom. In addition to serving as the Falcons’ Offensive Line Coach, he continues to impact young athletes at Westlawn Middle School as a Physical Education teacher and Assistant Boys Basketball Coach.
Known for his steady leadership, technical expertise, and passion for developing student-athletes, Coach Truss exemplifies dedication, consistency, and care in all he does. His influence extends far beyond the game, shaping players into disciplined, confident, and resilient young men.
We are proud to celebrate Coach Truss and grateful for the lasting impact he makes across both programs.
Join our Official ParentSquare Group!
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.
Thank You to Our First Down Sponsors!
These incredible businesses and individuals contributed $1,000 or more to support Central High School Falcon Football through our 2025 Sponsor the Nest Campaign!
Would you like to become a Sponsor?
Contact us Today!
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
Varsity Finishes Regular Season at 7-2! 🧱
JV Finishes Undefeated at 5-0! 🧱
Newsletter Archive 📰
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
Week 5 Recap @ Gardendale + Week 6 Preview vs. McAdory
Week 6 Recap vs. McAdory + Week 7 Preview vs. Brookwood
Week 7 Recap vs. Brookwood + Week 8 Bye Week
Week 8 Bye Week Recap + Week 9 Preview @ Hueytown
Week 9 Recap @ Hueytown + Week 10 Bye Week