As the final whistle blew, wrapping up the 2024 football season, the Bruins knew they had showcased their teamwork, perseverance, and growth throughout the season. 

The Central Hardin Bruins have wrapped up another football season. They found a way to learn, adapt, and support each other throughout the season. 

The team had its fair share of struggles. Their biggest challenges were a brand new coaching staff, a new system for the players to learn, and many first-year starters who needed experience.  

Though the season began with six Bruin losses, the team did not lose hope and kept practicing and working hard to improve with each game.

“We simply kept working to get better every day,” new head Coach Phillip Stockdale said. 

By the time the Warren Central game came around in the middle of the season, the hard work and dedication was starting to pay off. On October 4th, the Bruins played at home and won 26-6 against the Dragons. This match was a big win for the Bruins, ending their six-game losing streak. 

The game was exciting from start to finish, with a forced fumble from Aiden Peterson and RJ Goodman in the first quarter. While the Dragons got one touchdown, the Bruins were determined to win this match and had another 27-yard touchdown run. It was wrapped up by an astounding 40-yard pass for a touchdown from the Bruins. After this win, confidence was up and the Bruins were on a roll.

Two weeks later, on October 25, the team prepared to play their most important game of the year. The “Pink-Out” game against Barren County was a huge win and “one of the most complete games of the season,” Stockdale said. 

The Barren County Trojans put up a good fight, but the Bruins took the win, beginning the match with a 14-yard touchdown run. The Trojans then managed to get a touchdown, but the team got their payback with a 17-yard touchdown run. Dakwann Keith, a Bruin for two years, had the game’s biggest accomplishment as the kickoff return ran for a touchdown. 

“The turning point in our season was the Barren County game because we had a switch of energy after that game,” Keith said. 

With this win, the Bruins had officially made it into the District Two playoffs in second place. 

“The most memorable moments of my senior year were going out in the playoffs with my guys and proving people wrong,” Keith said.

At the last home game of the season, the Bruins faced the Christian County Colonels. The match was another amazing win for the Bruins at 36-6. The team led with a 30-yard and a 36-yard touchdown run. After many plays thoughtfully executed by the Bruins, the game ended after a 15-yard touchdown run. 

In arguably their biggest win, the Bruins faced off against McCracken County. The team started strong with a 42-yard touchdown pass, and the team completed many more passes. The final score was 45-28. 

“The second-round playoff game against McCracken County was a huge win for us,” Stockdale said. 

The Bruins may have encountered challenges, but their journey was marked by growth, perseverance, and a deep sense of community. 

“Hanging out with the team, having fun, making lifetime memories I’ll always cherish,” senior Cameron Dupin, who played football with the Bruins for four years, explained his favorite moments of his senior year. 

“Hanging out with the team in the locker room before the games will always be a great memory for me.” kicker Micha Chenault, who has been playing for the Bruins since his junior year, said.

This was the final season for the Bruins in the class of 2025. They have gained the wisdom of the field, and some graduating seniors wanted to share advice with the returning players.

“Lean onto football as a gateway,” Keith said. “It can give many life lessons and opportunities to better yourself.“ 

Keith is planning to continue his football career at any school he can.

“Don’t quit,” Dupin said. “You’ll regret it. I know that personally.”

As the Bruins head into the offseason, their focus will be on further development, and raising the bar for the upcoming season.

The future is bright for the Bruins as they prepare for the next season. With many players returning and the coaching staff gaining valuable experience, they know they can build on this year’s progress. 

“We will continue to work hard and improve moving forward,” Stockdale said. “We have a lot of good players returning, and our goal is to always be competing for championships.”