Central set to open 7A state playoffs against Murphy

Central coach Jamey DuBose likes having a week off at the end of the regular season and before the state playoffs start.

That has worked well for him each of the past two seasons as Central has enjoyed a week off then won the following Friday to start the playoffs.

The Red Devils will see if that formula holds true again this season when they host Murphy for the first round of the Class 7A state playoffs. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. Friday at Garrett-Harrison Stadium.

DuBose used last week to get back to fundamentals.

“It was time to get back to basics, fundamentals,” he said. “As the season goes on, you are trying to scheme to win.

“But we had four days of fundamentals, not being very physical, fine-tuning, working on timing.”

DuBose said having the last week off is by design.

“I have always tried to do that,” he said, “and we have a lot of success. It allows us to get the mind and body ready.”

The Red Devils, who their third straight Region 2-7A championship, are riding an eight-game winning streak. They have not lost since the season-opener against Hoover on Aug. 19.

They are led by quarterback Zion Webb, who has throws for 1,078 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has also rushed for 743.

Central’s leading rusher is Jaxton Carson, who has 1,040 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Murphy went 6-4 and finished fourth in Region 1.

Quarterback Maurice Robinson has throws for 956 yards and seven touchdowns. He has rushed for 897 and 12 scores.

This story was originally published November 3, 2016 at 6:06 PM with the headline "Central set to open 7A state playoffs against Murphy."