Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - Central High School will enter the 2024 football season as the Class 3 defending State Champions, but if the Rebels want to defend that title, a new crop of names will need to step up this fall.
Central finished 11-3 last season, winning its last 8 games including a 5-game run to the state championship. But the team can’t dwell on the past for too long, especially with the level of talent in the area. Head coach Kory Schweiss says he personally doesn’t feel much pressure coming in as the defending state champs:
Perhaps the toughest test for the 2024 Rebels will be replacing a very large and talented senior class, including several players who played on both sides of the football. Schweiss says it’s going to be tough to replace those seniors, but its something that every team must do every year.
Schweiss says part of their initial focus will be replacing the interior offensive linemen. The Rebels graduated four up front, Nathan Weinhold, Sammy Callaway, Logan Murray, and Cole Preswood, and will need to fill those positions quickly. Ten guys have been getting varsity reps for the Rebels in early practices, all looking to earn a spot in the starting lineup.
Elsewhere, Jaxon Jones will be taking the reins at quarterback. Jones is a two-way player, but will be stepping into a new offensive role. Last season, Jones was named MAAA Defensive Player of the Year, 1st Team MFCA All-State, All-Conference, All-District, and All-Region as both a linebacker and running back. Schweiss says other than that, lots of things are still up in the air.
The Rebels start their 2024 campaign on the road at Owensville on August 30th. They’ll play their first home game September 6th, hosting Jefferson.