CENTER, Texas — The year 1996 was almost 30 years ago, and when you pop open the old Center High School yearbook, you’d see a lot has changed since then.
Hair styles, and even a guest appearance from, at the time, Gov. George Bush, all aged out of everyday life, but one aspect from the year is back in style for the Roughriders: a football team winning seven games three years in a row.
In 2024, Center Head Coach Ricky Meeks did the same thing for Center for the first time since 1996.
Their next test isn't easy though, they meet the defending state champion Gilmer Buckeyes in the first round of the playoffs. It's the same logo that bounced the Roughriders from the playoffs a year ago, but the Center coach is stressing that it is not the same team.
“It's two different teams now, last year's over and done with, and it's a new group of guys for both of us.” Meeks said. "We got to play the guy in front of us, not, an emblem on a helmet or name on a jersey. It's about the guy that's in front of us. And don't make the moment bigger than what it is.”
Gilmer has built a name for itself as a football powerhouse, and Center is on its way to doing so too. Now, they’re ready to take that next step to cement that brand.
“You got to start winning the playoff games” Meeks said. "People remember the teams that play in December, and so that's our that's our next goal. That's the next step for us.”
Those Roughriders are ready to leave a legacy.
“We're about to kick off practice here in just second, and our guys are excited, and they should be.” Meeks said. “They've earned it. I mean, nobody gave them anything.”
Center takes on Gilmer at Tatum Stadium Friday at 7 p.m.
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