2026 Preview: Broome Centurions

In honor of the five-site Prep RedZone Media Days series this June and July, we're giving everyone a 50% offer code on all subscriptions throughout July 31. Get access to more than 100 team previews and everything else we have in store for readers as we gear up for the 2026 football season. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/subscribe">Simply head to our subscription page</a> and use the code "przscmediaday2026" at checkout to take advantage of the savings.   If a level of motivation entering a new season can be based on the level of heartbreak the previous season ended with, Broome's football team should be plenty motivated this season. After going 3-0 in games decided by single digits in the 2025 regular season, the Centurions suffered a 24-21 home loss to Pendleton on a field goal in the final seconds of a Class 3A first round playoff game. That wrapped up an unusual season for Broome as it went 4-1 on the road, but 1-5 at home.   This season, the Centurions are tasked with replacing more than 3,100 yards of total offense that a pair of standout Class of 2026 players (Tyqwon Booker and Jameson Dearybury) accounted for. Wherever [player_tooltip player_id='1453176' first='Brayden' last='Simpson'] ends up on the field this season, he's sure to have a big hand in that task. Simpson was Broome's leading receiver last season despite stepping in at quarterback for the final two games after Dearybury suffered a season-ending injury.   Simpson and [player_tooltip player_id='1821988' first='Corley' last='Turner'] are battling for this season's starting quarterback job.   "Both of them are really good football players who throw the ball pretty well and are very smart," Broome coach Lynn Fleming said. "They're very athletic, which kind of brings another dimension. Last year, Jameson threw the ball really well and read defenses really well, but running wasn't his strong suit.   "Whichever one isn't at quarterback is still going to be on the field, because we've got to find a way to get the ball in their hands."   Fleming believes the Centurions may be more of a running team this season and with big, physical linemen like seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1615627' first='Kelvin' last='Crook'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1819502' first='Carson' last='Taylor'] (pictured) paving the way, it's easy to see why. He said both will be two-way players and leaders up front on both sides of the ball.   "Kelvin's been playing for us for a lot of years. He primarily played defense last year, but he's a guy we always had ready for the offensive line," Fleming said. "Carson can move around just about anywhere. He's played tackle and a lot of guard. We moved him to center a bit last year. When we saw an odd front and we faced a big noseguard, we put Carson at center so that he could handle him."   Senior Cam McGill and [player_tooltip player_id='1819506' first='Devon' last='Brown'] will be rotating at running back as both will also be playing defense. When Broome goes to the air, [player_tooltip player_id='1817034' first='Bryson' last='Martin'] and Jordan Ramirez could be key targets at wide receiver. Ramirez had 10 catches for 142 yards and a score last year.   "I think running the ball is going to be the biggest key to our success this year," Crook said. "Cam and Devon are good and our offensive line is solid, so I think we can run it. As a senior, I want us to win a region championship and go far in the playoffs."   Most of those key players on offense will also be keys on defense. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1819503' first='Nick' last='Morgan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1821994' first='Aayden' last='Hemphill-Shands'] also help lead an experienced group at linebacker. Among returning players this season, Morgan was the leading tackler last fall with 66 stops, including eight tackles-for-loss.   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='1453176' first='Brayden' last='Simpson'] ATH, 2027 - Despite the position change late in the season, Simpson excelled at quarterback much like he did at receiver. Simpson completed 28-of-37 passes for 304 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. He caught 33 passes for 656 yards with six touchdowns and ran for 163 yards and two scores. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry. Simpson also contributed defensively with 21 tackles and three interceptions.   [player_tooltip player_id='1819502' first='Carson' last='Taylor'] OL/DL, 2027 - Taylor has grown in size and strength during his time at Broome. He now weighs 290 pounds and squats 455. His ability to play every position along the offensive line has proved valuable, but it wasn't the easiest transition. "At first, I couldn't snap," Taylor said with a smile. "But I just had to practice."   [player_tooltip player_id='1615627' first='Kelvin' last='Crook'] DL/OL, 2027 - It will be interesting to see if Crook can have the same kind of impact on offense this year that he's had on defense in the past. Of his 22 tackles last season, eight went for losses including two sacks. Crook is a well-rounded athlete. He also wrestles and throws the shot put and discus for the track and field team.   [player_tooltip player_id='1821994' first='Aayden' last='Hemphill-Shands'] LB/TE, 2027 - Hemphill-Shands filled up stat columns last season. He finished with 47 tackles, including seven tackles-for-loss and two sacks. Hemphill-Shands also had four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Offensively, he made his only catch count as it went for a 13-yard touchdown. He was also the Centurions' punter and had a long of 48 yards.   FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='1817034' first='Bryson' last='Martin'] CB/WR, 2027 - While this will be Martin's first year playing offense, it's not like he hasn't touched the ball much. Last season, Martin led the team with nine pass breakups to go along with 32 tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery. At 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds, he should provide a nice target on offense.    BIGGEST LOSSES   Tyqwon Booker RB - Booker capped a brilliant career by rushing for 1,424 yards, 16 touchdowns and 14 two-point conversions last season. He also caught 21 passes for 194 yards, returned eight kickoffs for 217 yards, had 12 tackles, including two tackles-for-loss and forced a fumble.   Jameson Dearybury QB - Despite missing the final two games due to an injury, Dearybury passed for 1,738 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions. In Broome's 53-45 win at Powdersville, which went on to play for the Class 3A Upper State championship, Dearybury completed 25-of-29 passes for 372 yards and three scores.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   [player_tooltip player_id='1817051' first='Jayden' last='Richardson'] CB/WR, 2028 - In just six varsity games last season, Richardson tallied 24 tackles. He also had an interception and a pass breakup.   [player_tooltip player_id='1819506' first='Devon' last='Brown'] RB/SS 2028 - In seven games last fall, Brown rushed for 216 yards, averaged 6.0 yards per carry, and caught a touchdown pass last season. Defensively, he collected 19 tackles and had a pass breakup.    Don't let the listed size of 5-foot-9 and 145 pounds fool you. Turner has a big arm and can throw it on the run. He's a three-sport athlete who is a baseball prospect as well.   As Fleming said, whether Turner wins the quarterback job or not, his athleticism ensures he will be on the field somewhere and the Centurions will be trying to get the ball in his hands.

In honor of the five-site Prep RedZone Media Days series this June and July, we're giving everyone a 50% offer code on all subscriptions throughout July 31. Get access to more than 100 team previews and everything else we have in store for readers as we gear up for the 2026 football season. Simply head to our subscription page and use the code "przscmediaday2026" at checkout to take advantage of the savings.