The final season of Christian County High School Colonels’ football will be led by a new quarterback and a young roster, but hopes are high that the team will improve on last year’s record.
Senior Tom Johnson, who will be making his first career start in the Colonels’ opening game Aug. 23 against Clarksville Northeast, returns to the team after not playing last season.
Christian County Head Coach Ethan Atchley said Johnson has used his basketball skills to quickly become the leader of the 2025 Colonels football team.
Last year’s quarterback, Jaiden Williams, transferred after running for only 162 yards on 107 attempts. He also threw for 1,404 yards.
Atchley said Johnson has learned the offense quicker than he expected, which has opened the door for more opportunities for the senior signal caller.
Freshman Mason Cansler is listed as the team’s back-up quarterback.
Christian County returns its leading rusher from last year, junior Tristin Dillard, who ran for 449 yards and three touchdowns on 143 carries. Junior Deasian Harris and freshman Ti Palmer
Wharton, a 6-foot-3 senior, returns at wide receiver. He caught 21 passes for 248 yards and two scores last season. Seniors Jairus Foster, Michael Tandy, and James Farley also will be counted on heavily at receiver.
Up front, the Colonels return junior Stephan Lovan, a 5-8 junior, who moves from guard to tackle. Anthony Gabriel, a California transfer, is a junior who will play right guard. Freshmen Kamryn Wells and Keeon Buckner will play left guard and center, respectively. Junior Chris “Turtle” McIntyre, will play left tackle.
Senior Jimmarion Byrd, who plays linebacker, also could see some time on the offensive line.
Defensively, Lovan and Wells anchor the defensive line along with freshman Bryson Ford, who could also see time at linebacker. Senior James Farley has been a bright spot in the Colonels’ scrimmages from his defensive end position.
Deasian Harris returns at linebacker. He also could see time at defensive end.
Atchley said Harris shined in the Colonels’ scrimmages.
Gabriel also will see time at defensive line and Atchley said freshman DJ Quarles will be a defensive end this season. Freshman Lakyreon “KyKy” Davie should also see time on the line.
Junior Paul Abren returns to play inside linebacker and could see time at strong safety. Ford, Byrd, and junior Anthony Gabriel also will be linebackers this season.
The secondary is the key concern for Atchley and the Colonels’ staff.
Senior Darius Finch returns and will move from linebacker to safety along with Wharton.
Freshman Antonio Ware will play cornerback and safety and Palmer will find time in the secondary. Sophomore Karmelo Bailey also will be counted on at cornerback.
The kicking chores will be handled by junior soccer player Jayleigh Campbell while Abren will handle the punting duties.
The 2025 season is the last for the Colonels before consolidation with Hopkinsville High School in 2026. Atchley said his team is focused on their final season as Colonels.
Christian County is coming off a 1-10 season in 2024 and is 10-65 since 2017.
The Colonels play their first four games at home before playing five of their last six on the road.