CENTENNIAL SPARTANS
Change from within
All Centennial has known since its inception in 2010 is Kyle Geller as head coach. Geller and the Spartans have seen plenty of success over the last decade and a half, but in February, the longtime coach decided to give up the headset and take the assistant athletic director of athletic operations job for Burleson ISD.
Hiring only its second head coach in Centennial history, BISD interviewed many experienced candidates; however, it hired a man who knew the team just as well as Geller in Blake Meyer.
An assistant under Geller since the beginning, specifically as defensive coordinator, Meyer has made a few changes that he always wanted to implement, but said a lot has stayed the same.
A 5-6 record in 2024, ending with a dramatic overtime loss to Georgetown in the 5A Div. I bi-district round, left many Spartans wishing for more from an underwhelming season.
“ It was a lot of mental mistakes,” said quarterback Brody Franklin.
Once the team returned from Christmas break, they felt a stronger bond and team chemistry. Moreover, once Meyer was promoted, the Spartans’ excitement propelled even higher.
“ It was a comfortable feeling,” recalled linebacker Christian Williams when Meyer was named head coach.“ I liked that Meyer was here to stay because he not only knows us, but he knows our culture.”
Spring ball showed how Centennial is in a very unique situation. Typically, having many seniors on a roster automatically means solidified starters. With the Spartans, that’ s not the case.
“ We’ re not young, but we’ re kind of inexperienced,” Meyer admitted.
Although the squad lacks the return of full-time starters, Meyer believes this is one of the best groups he’ s been around based on their work ethic and humility.
“ When your so-called‘ star’ skill guys are also your hardest workers, that’ s usually a recipe for success,” furthered Meyer.
From his experience, Meyer senses a correlation between his hardest workers being his best players and it transferring to wins. Seasons such as 2022( 12 wins) and 2018( 11 wins) came to mind.
Offense
Three different offenses in the past three seasons left Meyer questioning why Geller strayed away from the style that worked best for the Spartans. He plans on reinstalling the offense of his predecessor and that begins with the offensive line.
Featuring four seniors, who weren’ t full-time starters but saw playing time in 2024, Meyer said the group is coming along this offseason.
The only returning starter from last season is District 7-5A leading rusher, Jaylon Walker. Carrying the ball over 120 times and racking up double digit touchdowns, Walker spent the offseason working on his strength and conditioning.
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