Football Game Preview: Center Roughriders vs. Athens Hornets

The Center Roughriders will challenge the Athens Hornets at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.

On Thursday, everything came up roses for Center against Brownsboro as the squad secured a 58-22 victory. The win continues a trend for the Roughriders in their matchups with the Bears: they've now won six in a row.

Jeremy Bluford

Rushing Touchdowns

10/23/25 @ Brownsboro	2
09/05/25 vs Spring Hill	2
08/29/25 @ Jacksonville	2
10/17/25 vs Bullard	1
09/12/25 @ North DeSoto	1

Center's success was spearheaded by the efforts of Jeremy Bluford, who rushed for 179 yards and two scores on only 13 carries, and Easton Wulf, who rushed for 84 yards and three touchdowns on only nine carries. Bluford is becoming a predictor of the Roughriders' success: when he posts at least two rushing touchdowns the team is undefeated (and 1-4 when he doesn't). Bracadon Robinson made the highlight reel by snagging an interception and taking it all the way to the house.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Center was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 321 rushing yards. They are 4-1 when they've run for more than 200 yards.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Athens, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Friday. They claimed a resounding 60-6 victory over Rusk. The Hornets might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five games by 27 points or more this season.

Center better keep an eye on David Richardson. He was instrumental in Athens' win, throwing for 160 yards and three TDs, while also rushing for 81 yards and one touchdown on only eight carries. That's the most passing touchdowns Richardson has posted since back in August. Another player making a difference was CHARLI KISER, who rushed for 100 yards and one score on only seven carries.

Athens' win bumped their record up to 6-2. As for Center, the victory got them back to even at 4-4.

Things could have been worse for Center, but things could have been a whole lot better as they took a 43-26 loss to Athens in their previous matchup back in November of 2024. Will the Roughriders have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other football content.