Friday Night Lights Recap: Central, Carver, Spencer and Calvary Shine Under the Bright Lights

When the lights came on last Friday night, high school football once again delivered a showcase of dominance, grit, and statement wins across the Chattahoochee Valley. From powerhouse Central holding firm against Enterprise, to Carver extending its historic streak, to Calvary Christian flexing its muscle, fans were treated to a full slate of action that left no shortage of highlights.

Central Red Devils rolled into last Friday’s matchup with Enterprise carrying a perfect record, and they walked away with that record fully intact after a commanding 53-24 victory. The Red Devils came out firing on all cylinders, putting the game out of reach by the end of the third quarter before cruising through the final frame. The key to Central’s dominance was connection between quarterback Bobby Coleman and wide receiver Mike Bass. Coleman was in rhythm all night, torching the Wildcats’ defense for 337 passing yards and four touchdowns, averaging a remarkable 14 yards per attempt. Bass was his go-to weapon, hauling in 220 receiving yards and two scores, including an electrifying 79-yard catch-and-run that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Jayshaun Woodhouse added to the fireworks with two touchdowns of his own.

Central’s defense proved just as lethal, bottling up Enterprise to only 3.2 yards per carry on the ground. Linebacker Tristan Lyles spearheaded the effort with a relentless presence that set the tone from start to finish. With the win, Central improved to 5-0 on the season, while Enterprise fell into a three-game losing skid (2-3). But the Red Devils’ next challenge is their biggest yet: a primetime showdown against national powerhouse IMG Academy (4-0) tonight at 8 p.m. IMG boasts 39 players rated three stars or higher, including seven five-star recruits. They’ve allowed only 40 total points this season, while Central has topped the 50-point mark in four out of five games. Something’s got to give.

Elsewhere across the Valley, the Spencer Greenwaves are riding high on a three-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 113-14 during the run. On Friday, they throttled the Jordan Red Jackets 45-7, then doubled down with a 39-0 shutout of Kendrick last night. Spencer looks like one of the most dangerous teams in the area as they continue to surge with confidence.

Meanwhile, the Carver Tigers extended their dominance with an 18th straight victory, dismantling the Columbus Blue Devils 63-7. Freshman quarterback [name placeholder if you want me to insert] showcased poise beyond his years, going 7-for-8 for 216 yards and three touchdowns. Senior receiver Jamarcus Davis added 92 yards and two scores, while sophomore TJ Woodson chipped in 68 yards and two more touchdowns. In the backfield, senior running back Kelston Tarver continued his remarkable season, torching the defense for 113 yards and two touchdowns on just five carries. Carver is back at it tonight at Odis Spencer Stadium against Hardaway (0-5), who will look to snap a tough start to their season.

The Columbus Blue Devils (4-1) bounced back strong last night, blanking the Shaw Raiders 17-0. Columbus now has momentum again after falling to Carver, while Shaw (1-5) has dropped two straight, including last week’s lopsided loss to Sumter County. For Brookstone, their unbeaten streak came to a halt as Stratford Academy handed them their first loss of the season, 41-14. The Cougars (5-1) struggled offensively, finishing with only 186 passing yards and 114 rushing yards. Things won’t get easier, as they face off against Calvary Christian (5-0) tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Speaking of Calvary, the Knights are off to a perfect start and showed no mercy in their 70-12 blowout last Friday. Quarterback Braxton Wilkinson was surgical, throwing for 215 yards and four touchdowns on just 13 attempts. Jamar Williams was the breakout star, not only catching passes for 84 yards and two scores but also dazzling on special teams with both a kickoff returns and a punt return for touchdowns. Defensively, Calvary swarmed the field with three interceptions and a monster game from Darnelle Hamilton, who recorded two sacks, forced a fumble, and tallied ten tackles. With contributions coming from every phase of the game, Calvary has cemented itself as a force to be reckoned with in the region.

As the weekend continues, here’s your slate for Friday Night Lights action:

• Northside vs. Harris County @ Kinnett, 7:00 PM
• Hardaway vs. Carver @ Odis Spencer, 7:00 PM
• Jordan @ Sumter County, 7:30 PM
• Brookstone @ Calvary Christian, 7:30 PM
• Central vs. IMG Academy, 8:00 PM @ Central
• Pacelli @ Strong Rock, 7:30 PM

And it’s not just the high schools lighting up the gridiron. Columbus Youth Football had its own thrilling week under the lights. On Monday, the Eastway Cherokees 10U Orange dominated the South Columbus Raiders 40-0, highlighted by a 55-yard touchdown run from Mateo Garcia. The Clubview Bulldogs 10U also cruised, with Jacob Fortson making a jaw-dropping interception return for a touchdown in their 40-0 win over the Phenix City Titans.

On Tuesday, the Phenix City Titans 8U, led by Hailen “HK” Miller, blanked the Clubview Bulldogs 42-0. Miller’s performance included two touchdowns and an 80-yard fumble return, earning him Double Coverage Player of the Game honors. From powerhouse programs to youth football rising stars, the Columbus area continues to prove why Friday nights under the lights are a tradition like no other.

As the dust settles on another action-packed weekend of football, one thing is clear: the Chattahoochee Valley has no shortage of storylines. Central remains a juggernaut, marching into uncharted territory as they prepare for their biggest test of the year against national powerhouse IMG Academy. Carver, meanwhile, continues to look every bit like a dynasty in the making, extending their winning streak to 18 and showing no signs of slowing down. Spencer has found its rhythm, Columbus has proven its resilience, and Calvary Christian is making a legitimate case as one of the most complete teams in the state, regardless of classification.