It’s all about the “big picture”, which to a larger extent translates into: “The future”.

Such is the case for Central Fellowship. The Lancers are seeking to end the regular season 2-3 in GISA 1-AA (4-6 overall).

That might not mean much to a lot of programs but in terms of that whole “big picture” already mentioned, well … it’s big.

A win over Covenant Thursday at Windsor – the host school for both the Lancers and Covenant out of Macon – would earn Central Fellowship a playoff berth.

The last time the Lancers made the playoffs? Well, it wasn’t under current Head Coach Chris Oxford, who is in his third year with the program, but he summed like this: “It was a long time ago.” And, “There were only four teams in the region so all four made the playoffs.” Central Fellowship that year? 0-10.

So, for the Lancers to truly “earn” their way in – there are six teams in their current region – see: The future.

In fact, Oxford said he is already hearing from kids in the eighth grade excited about coming out next year. To his knowledge it’s never been like this – Central Fellowship being known as a “basketball” school. There’s also the fact the Lancers will be adding lights next year and play their home games at home. That, too, Oxford said was a result of the program’s progress; two of the three years under his leadership it will be defined as “heading in the right direction.”

But not to get ahead of ourselves, Central Fellowship still has to beat Covenant on Thursday.

“Covenant runs a double wing and a tight formation,” Oxford said. “Basically what they try to do is move the pile up front. Try to get two or three yards offensively. They don’t really turn the ball over because they don’t really throw the ball that much.

“On defense,” he said, “they’re going to run a three-five at you. They’ve got pretty big linebackers (so) it’s going to be tough.

“They don’t make mistakes. They control the ball on offense. The key to stopping Covenant is stopping them on first down. Put them in second and long because their offense is not based on throwing the ball.

“So if you can get them in second and 10 or second and nine you’re going to be ahead of game because like I said, on offense they’re just going to try and get two or three yards running at you.”

To listen to the entire interview with Coach Oxford, click on the download at left.