Central hopes to continue the momentum of making the playoffs

For Central, the first step toward a territory not visited in nearly 20 years begins Thursday night at Henderson Stadium.

When the Chargers open their season Thursday against Wilkinson County at Henderson Stadium, it will begin a season of aspirations for the program’s first back-to-back playoff appearances since 1996 and 1997, when some of Central’s current players were not yet born.

The Chargers’ berth in the playoffs a year ago was their first since 2008.

“We run a year-round program, and our kids have been itching to get back out there ever since we made that playoff run,” Central head coach Jesse Hicks said. “Our big deal now is to take it a step further: win the city, contend for a region championship and go further in the playoffs.”

In some ways, Central enters the season as it comes of age under Hicks. This year’s senior class of 20 was Hicks’ first freshman class when he took the helm of the program.

“This is the best we’ve been since I’ve been here,” Hicks said.

With that experience comes the expectations to match and pass last year’s success, a playoff run that ended with a first-round loss to Cook. And the importance of getting a strong start Thursday is not lost on Hicks. The Chargers take on another Bibb County opponent, Howard, next week before GHSA Region 2-AAA play kicks off.

“We need that W. I think a win sets the tone for us psychologically and mentally. It sets a lot up for the school. Our student body after that playoff run last year, they were pretty jacked up about football,” Hicks said. “It’s very important to get off to a good start and gives us a measuring rod of where we need to be.”

Like Central, Wilkinson County is eager to get back on the field. It went 4-6 last season. The Warriors, who compete in Region 7-A, will have few surprises for the Chargers, and Hicks expects likewise from the Central perspective.

Hicks and Wilkinson County head coach James Hagins matched up against one another in 2002 and 2003, during Hicks’ time at Baldwin when the Braves took on the Warriors.

“We’re all Albany State people. We’ve been playing against each other since I was at Baldwin,” Hicks said. “We don’t change anything. They know what we do, and we know what they’re going to do. It just comes down to our kids competing against each other.

“It’s always good to play people who are your friends. You’re not friends when the game is going on, but when the game is over, you hug, shake hands and tell them, ‘Good luck to you.’ It’s not a region game, it’s a good way to open up.”

Hicks expects a big crowd dressed in blue and yellow in the visiting stands.

“It’s going to be a battle,” Hicks said. “Everyone in Irwinton, Georgia, will probably be there.”

This story was originally published August 26, 2015 at 8:44 PM with the headline "Central hopes to continue the momentum of making the playoffs ."