Little Rock Central 2025 Team Preview

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Overview: Class 7A Central</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Little Rock Central Tigers are aiming to make their first playoff appearance since 2020. Over the past five seasons, they have only won five games. Last year, they ended a 38-game losing streak with a victory over Heritage. This season, they will return 12 starters and have brought in some key transfers during the off-season. The transfers include four-star Miami commit [player_tooltip player_id='413517' first='Anthony' last='Kennedy'], a defensive lineman from Maumelle. They also include junior offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1678832' first='Tristian' last='West'] from Denton Ryan, Texas, and [player_tooltip player_id='1251945' first='Bryson' last='Kennedy']. Bryson is a freshman quarterback and the younger brother of Anthony. Bryson holds multiple P4 offers, including those from Arkansas, Missouri, SMU, and others. Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='430626' first='Andrew' last='Bjork'] also comes in from Maumelle. The tigers are oozing with young talent as they could become a legitimate and consistent playoff contender starting this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Results</strong>&nbsp;<strong>(2-8 Record – 7A Central)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>8/30</td><td>@ Springdale</td><td>L 49-21</td></tr><tr><td>9/13</td><td>@ Fort Smith Southside</td><td>L 45-14</td></tr><tr><td>9/20</td><td>Heritage</td><td>W 21-7</td></tr><tr><td>9/27</td><td>@ Bryant</td><td>L 52-12</td></tr><tr><td>10/4</td><td>@ Pulaski Academy</td><td>L 63-14</td></tr><tr><td>10/11</td><td>Little Rock Christian</td><td>L 35-0</td></tr><tr><td>10/18</td><td>@ Conway</td><td>L 63-0</td></tr><tr><td>10/25</td><td>North Little Rock</td><td>W 28-21</td></tr><tr><td>11/1</td><td>@ Cabot</td><td>L 47-7</td></tr><tr><td>11/8</td><td>Little Rock Southwest</td><td>L 33-9</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Players to Watch:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["413517"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687a6623d0826"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='413517' first='Anthony' last='Kennedy'], the Miami commit, has the potential to not only play on Saturdays, but Sundays as well. He displays a good burst off the snap, using good hand placement, pad level, and lower body strength to bull rush and apply pressure. Kennedy excels against base blocks, quickly shedding them to make plays in the backfield. He is agile and can sidestep offensive linemen or extend his reach effectively. His athleticism and power enable him to be versatile along the defensive line, positioning himself from the 1-tech to the 5-tech.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – Multi-Position Athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Anthonydk2026/status/1938731439694192700","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Anthonydk2026/status/1938731439694192700 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1532731"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687a6623d0884"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1532731' first='Trey' last='Stewart'] holds key offers from Arkansas, Missouri, Miami, and more. He displays good post-snap vision, allowing him to quickly and effectively identify running lanes. His COD and lateral quickness enable him to evade early penetration from defenders and make defenders miss in space. He can outrun second-level defenders to reach the sideline and burst upfield. He also has experience on the defensive side of the ball. Stewart is someone you want to see in person. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – Multi-Sport Athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TreyStewart2027/status/1934770150797967413","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TreyStewart2027/status/1934770150797967413 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1347167"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687a6623d08d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1347167' first='Aadyn' last='Canady'] is a prospect to add to the recruiting board. He is a strong and big-bodied target with a solid catch radius. He demonstrates good acceleration in his release, enabling him to eat up space quickly along with his stride and foot quickness. His good body control, balance, and ball-tracking skills, combined with good hand-eye coordination, allow him to make adjustments mid-route. He can effectively high-point the football, track over-the-shoulder, and consistently win in one-on-one contested situations. Canady is a future red-zone threat at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.2 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/8aadynn/status/1935533985473642681","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/8aadynn/status/1935533985473642681 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1678828"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687a6623d0922"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1678828' first='Ricky' last='Gaston'] received his first offer back in May from Marshall. He is a lengthy, athletic, and instinctive edge rusher. Gaston can contain the edge while moving laterally, keeping his eyes in the backfield with solid lateral quickness. He plays with a relentless motor, often chasing down ball carriers from behind. Overall, he demonstrates a good upfield burst off the snap. He engages with good hand placement. He has the ability to shed quickly and make plays at the line of scrimmage. Gaston is a prospect to watch throughout 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.6 40</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/RLG2027/status/1925619586101080273","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/RLG2027/status/1925619586101080273 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1678832"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687a6623d096d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1678832' first='Tristian' last='West'] holds an offer from Howard and expect that sheet to increase after the 2025 season. He displays good initial quickness off the snap and into his base blocks with good pad level and hand placement. His active feet help him drive effectively, and he showcases good hand strength for control. West is a high-motor prospect with good play strength. Keep an eye on him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - Multi-Position Athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/tristianwest771/status/1929943475438448846","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/tristianwest771/status/1929943475438448846 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Notable Prospects to Watch:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 QB [player_tooltip player_id='430626' first='Andrew' last='Bjork']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1660032' first='Phillip' last='Brewster']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1349782' first='Micah' last='Frazier']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1636088' first='Roy' last='Holmes']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1309317' first='Kendall' last='Hill']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 Schedule:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>8/29</td><td>Springdale</td></tr><tr><td>9/12</td><td>Fort Smith Southside</td></tr><tr><td>9/19</td><td>@Heritage</td></tr><tr><td>9/26</td><td>Bryant</td></tr><tr><td>10/3</td><td>Pulaski Academy</td></tr><tr><td>10/10</td><td>@ Little Rock Christian</td></tr><tr><td>10/17</td><td>Conway</td></tr><tr><td>10/24</td><td>@ North Little Rock</td></tr><tr><td>10/31</td><td>Cabot</td></tr><tr><td>11/7</td><td>@ Little Rock Southwest</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Notes/History:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HEAD COACH: Anthony Robinson (2-18 at Little Rock Central, heading into 3rd season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Year: 2-8, 1-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships: 31 (Last in 2004)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Championships: 31</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Outright Conference Title: 2006</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Playoff Appearance: 2020</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Total Playoff Appearances: 28 (0 under Robinson)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playoff Record: 28-25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->