Centenary College Gents Football: The Comeback We Didn’t Know We Needed!
Buckle up, Shreveport, because football fever is sweeping through Centenary College for the first time since 1941! That’s right—the Gents are back, and the excitement in the air is as palpable as the smell of tailgate BBQ on a cool fall day. After an 80+ year hiatus, Centenary College’s football program is getting ready to storm the field again, and the local community is ready to throw on some maroon and white and shout, “Go Gents!”
Why Football, and Why Now?
If you’re wondering why Centenary College decided to reboot its football program after all these years, the answer is simple: it’s all about community and tradition. Athletic Director David Orr said, “Bringing back football isn’t just about the sport itself—it’s about re-energizing the campus spirit and bringing people together.” And let’s face it, Shreveport loves its football. Whether it’s cheering on high school teams or getting behind LSU, local sports fans have been craving more gridiron action. And now, Centenary is stepping up to the challenge.
Local Centenary alum, Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler, has even joked that he’s ready to swap his mayoral duties for a spot on the team if it means getting in on the action. "You can’t keep me away from a football field! Go Gents!" he said with a laugh during a recent press event.
The Gents Gear Up for Glory
Of course, bringing back a college football program after more than eight decades isn’t exactly a walk in the park. It requires new facilities, recruiting efforts, and, of course, building a fan base. Centenary’s been hard at work recruiting local talent from the Shreveport-Bossier area and beyond, putting together a young, hungry team ready to make their mark on the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC).
The newly appointed head coach, Byron Dawson, a former Evangel Christian Academy star and LSU Tiger, has been laying the groundwork for what he hopes will be a stellar debut season in 2024. “It’s not just about wins and losses,” Dawson said. “It’s about building something long-lasting for this community.” But you better believe he still has his eyes on taking home some W’s.
Join the Movement
Tickets for the inaugural season are expected to sell out faster than you can say “touchdown,” so locals are being encouraged to grab their season passes as soon as possible. The first game will be held at the Atkins Field.
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just in it for the festivities, Centenary football is shaping up to be the hottest ticket in town. So, get your maroon and white gear ready because the Gents are back, and Shreveport’s football scene will never be the same!
This exciting revival of Centenary College football is sure to ignite local pride and add a thrilling new chapter to Shreveport's rich sports history. Who’s ready to see some touchdowns