Football is a numbers game, and the numbers are favorable for the Central College football team this fall, according to coach Jeff McMartin. Fifteen starters return, including eight on defense, as well as three specialists. There are 43 juniors and seniors back, along with a big sophomore class and a bountiful freshman class with potential. Depth is important, according to McMartin, as it elevates both on the field and practice performance. Perhaps the biggest key to Central’s success this year lies with two-year starting Quarterback Blaine Hawkins, entering his junior season with his name is already sprinkled throughout the Central football record book. The Heerema-Schilder Award winner as Central’s MVP last year, he was an American Rivers first-team all-conference pick. The Dutch begin action on Saturday, September 7th to begin a three game homestand to open 2019. Hear every Central football game this fall live with the Voice of the Dutch Trevor Castle on the home of the Central Dutch, 92.1 KRLS.