Players to watch
RB Jaylon Walker LB Christian Williams Offensive line
Matchup to watch
Oct. 17 vs. Tyler
Despite dealing with some personal issues that kept him away from the team, the running back is motivated more than ever to make up for the graduating players, be a dog for the Spartans and make his mom proud.
“ I’ m looking forward to my team,” said Walker.“ They’ ve all been working real hard and I’ m just ready to have fun. We’ re gonna fight our hardest and we’ re gonna be the best team we can be.”
Meyer implemented creativity into the offense during spring ball, including many run-pass options. A quarterback competition took place in the early months between Franklin and sophomore Derringer Adrion.
Meyer moved Franklin back to the position after spending last year on the defensive side and missing many games due to injury.
Adrion showed promise and had a very impressive offseason as well, according to Meyer. The decision isn’ t set in stone; however, if the season started today, Franklin would get the start.
The senior passer believes he earned
the starting job because he puts the offense in the best position possible.
“ I hope they can say that I was making good decisions, not having any turnovers and leading the offense to score as much as I can,” Franklin on what supporters should expect from his play.
Meyer stated that the offense may start nine seniors, six of whom had playing time in 2024. The positions that aren’ t filled by seniors will be sophomores.
Defense
Considering its 5A classification and school size, Centennial is unique because of its two-way players. Mainly for depth purposes, the Spartans are versatile in playing different positions.
Williams, a senior who spent time as a joker and halfback behind Walker last season, moves to mic linebacker in his final season. Meyer said Williams“ never really broke through” in 2024 as he bounced around from linebacker to safety, but is confident that the move to the voice of the defense will help him break out.“ This is his year,” said Meyer. When he first heard about the move to mic, Williams didn’ t know how to feel about it. Once spring ball started, he embraced the new leadership role.
Joining Williams on the defensive side is a group of five returning starters, featuring defensive tackle Robert French, sophomore safety Jaxson Deaton and cornerback Marlon Land.
Deaton started 10 games last season as a freshman and shares a secondary that is stronger, Land noted.
“ Last year was a real wake-up call,” said Land.
Focusing on putting on muscle, Land believes the energy is different with the defensive-minded head coach in charge.
Sensing more investment from this year’ s team, Land and other impactful players want to take the talent and heart the Spartans had last year and turn them into wins. johnson county gridiron 2025 11