Kalamazoo Central football 2025 Preview

2025 Kalamazoo Central Football Season Preview: Game Schedule & Key Players

2025 Varsity Football Schedule

Kalamazoo Central’s varsity football team is gearing up for the 2025 season with the following confirmed matchups (all times scheduled for 7:00 PM local unless otherwise noted)

• 08/28 Jenison Away Thu,

• 09/04 Renaissance Away Fri

• 09/12 Gull Lake Away (Richland, MI) Fri

• 09/19 Lakeshore Away (Stevensville, MI) Fri

• 09/26 Lakeview (Battle Creek) Home Fri

• 10/03 Portage Central Home Fri

• 10/10 Battle Creek Central Home Fri

• 10/17 Mattawan Home Fri

• 10/24 Loy Norrix Away Fri

Key Players to Watch in 2025

Here’s a look at several impactful players shaping up to lead the Maroon Giants:

(KEY PLAYER) Dewey Young (2027 Jr., OL/DL) - Young is one of the top players in the state of Michigan. He's also gaining national attention as a certified 4 star by Multiple media sites. Some media outlets have Young ranked as Top 200 in the nation for Class of 2027. Coming off his impressive sophomore season, he's received 16+ D1 offers from schools like (Colorado, Michigan State, North Carolina, Florida St.). Young's father Duane Young Sr. is a legendary Alumni of Kalamazoo Central. He also played at Michigan St. and 6 years in the NFL, most notable moment of his career was starting at tight end for the San Diego Chargers in the 1994 Super Bowl. Dewey's big brother DJ Young also played at Kalamazoo Central, Michigan St., and had a stint in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Cleveland Browns.

(picture below of Dewey Young after Kalamazoo Centrals 2024 playoff birth) photo credit to mlive.com

GerAmiah Crawford (2026 Sr., WR / S) – A senior standout on both sides of the ball, wrapping speed and receiving prowess into a dual-threat role.

(Cam Woods at Sports Kickback summer football training 2025.)

Cam Woods (2026 Sr., QB) – Woods has been a starter since his Sophomore season. He has a strong arm and a tank like build.

• David Williams (2026 Sr., DE/TE) – A rising force on the defensive line, Williams stands out with size and skill, making him one to watch in the trenches.

• Aiden Thomas (2026 Sr., OT / DE) – Versatile and valuable on both offense and defense, Thomas brings flexibility and explosiveness to the field.

• Curtis Whitfield (Sr. 2026, S/CB/KR/PR/RB/WR) – Whitfield is a true utility player with contributions spanning offense, defense, and special teams. He has interest from multiple colleges to play at the next level.

• Jamar Dobbins (Sr. 2026, CB)- A three year starter on defense.

• Tyvaughn Jackson (Sr. 2026, WR)- A key player to the wide receiver core for Kalamazoo Central.

Rising Talent Snapshot

Several underclassmen are already making waves with their solid contributions during the offseason:

• Tyrone Sheppard III (2027 Jr., QB) Sheppard has been a key player on the Maroon giants varsity football team since his freshman year. After injuries to Kalamazoo Central's quarterbacks the past two seasons, Sheppard stepped in his freshman & sophomore year to start multiple games. Sheppard will contribute by having experience playing at the varsity level. He may get a opportunity to play defense as well.

• Ivory Hegler (2028 So., RB) This incoming sophomore is a out of state transfer. Kalamazoo Central coaches are high on Hegler's ability to carry the ball as a underclassman.

• Mykell Crayton (2027 Jr., WR/DB) Mykell will receive playing time at Wide Receiver. He got a bunch of reps this offseason playin 7v7, training, and participating in camps and showcases.

• Anthony Williams (2028 So. RB/LB) Williams is a big power back. He was a starter on JV as a freshman last season. He was consistent in KC's winner and summer conditioning program.

• Aaron Mcheard Jr. (2028 JR. WR/CB) with Mcheard's speed, he will find time on the field after showing a strong outing from his previous JV season.

Other Key Players to watch:

• Emmanuel Carter (SR) RB/LB

• Caleb Allen (Sr. RB/S)

Storylines to Track This Season

1. Senior Leadership
   With seniors like Woods, Williams, Thomas, and Whitfield anchoring the roster, the Giants have a seasoned core expected to set the tone on and off the field.

2. Youthful Impact
   Expect youngsters like Young, Sheppard, Mcheard, Hegler, Williams and more to make significant contributions, possibly helping shift the team’s identity toward a versatile, fast-paced style.

3. Critical Matchups
   Games against conference foes—Lakeview, Portage Central, and Mattawan—could determine SMAC standings and shape playoff positioning.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Kalamazoo Central Maroon Giants are entering the season with a balanced roster, anchored by a strong senior class and energized by promising underclass talent. Their blend of experience and youthful dynamism makes this campaign one to watch for fans and local rivals alike.

Sports Kickback Estimated regular season record: 8-1

Follow Sports Kickback Football on Instagram for high school and youth football news.

(Aiden Thomas and David williams highlights at legacy "Big Man" showcase hosted by sports kickback.)