JOURNAL SPORTS

It won’t count as a win or a loss but when Centenary lines up Saturday evening at Atkins Field, it will be an important test.

The Gents should have no problem handling Westgate Christian in an exhibition matchup at 6 o’clock. Centenary coach Byron Dawson is interested to see how well his players are gelling entering their second official season of competition this century.

About half the coaching staff is new – notably offensive coordinator Hal Mumme, considered along with Mike Leach as one of the fathers of the “air raid” passing game.

There are plenty of new faces wearing maroon and white uniforms, too, that need to be evaluated, said Dawson.

Fortunately, there are accomplished veterans like Southwood product D’Qavion Lemons, a Preseason All-American, on the defensive front, Bryan Washington in the secondary, along with quarterback Tre’ Smith from Coushatta and Red River High, and the extremely versatile quarterback/linebacker/kicker/punter Vance Feuerbacher.

“We are trying to gel, to build that brotherhood,” said Dawson. “Progress is a process. How are they able to pick up on the nuances of what we are doing.”

But while Dawson will look for style points Saturday night, he wants the team to bring intensity and score often.

“It’s the greatest game we’ll ever play, because it’s the next one. We’re not playing a conference game the first week. We’re excited just to play. Last year we played Hendrix, a veteran team, in our first game. This is a different approach that fits us best,” said Dawson.