By PATRICK MEEHAN, Centenary Assistant AD for Communications
Picked to contend for a conference championship, the Centenary football team will open its 2026 season on Saturday evening against the Westgate Christian University Ravens with kickoff set for 6 o’clock at Atkins Field.
The Gents will face the Ravens (0-1) for the second season in a row after defeating them 42-7 at home to open the 2025 campaign. Saturday marks the first of five home games for the Maroon and White. The Gents are scheduled to play nine regular-season games – five at home and four on the road.
Centenary will remain at home next weekend to face Millsaps College on Sept. 12 before traveling to Marshall, Texas in week three (Sept. 19) to face East Texas Baptist University for its first road contest.
The Centenary roster of 84 players includes 63 who are Louisiana natives, 15 from the Shreveport-Bossier area.
The Gents are predicted to finish third in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference this season based on the preseason coaches’ poll.
But the conference race is not front and center at this point for Centenary.
“We are so excited about our Week 1 matchup against Westgate Christian,” said head coach Byron Dawson.
“Westgate is a battle-tested program that competed against a strong Division II team last week, so we know we must be ready. Our guys have worked extremely hard throughout camp, and now it’s time to execute our game plan in all three phases of the game.
“We’ve stressed to our team throughout camp: New Year. New Team. New Dream. Now it’s time to put the work on display!
“We need the entire Centenary community and our local supporters at Atkins Field on Saturday loud and proud! Your energy and support make a difference. Let’s pack Atkins Field! Go Gents!” said Dawson.
Gents to Watch:
Collin Watkins (junior linebacker) – All-SCAC Honorable Mention in 2025 finishing third on the team in tackles (45) averaging 5.6 tackles/game which ranked in the top 15 in the league;
Theo Dunn (sophomore wide receiver) – All-SCAC Honorable Mention last year as he led the Gents in receptions (51) and receiving yards (691) in nine games played; Totaled five touchdowns and was ninth in the conference in scoring.
Live video will be available for the game at https://flosports.link/4wA0bFi
Contact Patrick at pmeehan@centenary.edu