I graduated from Central in 1957, but my sister was in the class of 1953. While she was at Central, I was at Bellevue Junior High School and played football at Bellevue the seasons of 1952 and 1953. Later, I played at Central during the seasons of 1954, 1955 & 1956.

Bellevue and Central practiced on the same field behind Bellevue, so I knew all the players and coaches at Central very well during that period, i.e., the seasons of 1952 through 1956.

During that time Central set a record never broken since. We won the Memphis City Championship four years in a row in 1952, 53, 54, and 1955. I played on the 54 team that frst set the record of 3 straight and also on the 55 team that broke that record, winning 4 straight championships. The fifth year we lost the City Championship by a fraction of a point to South Side whom we beat in regular season.

I knew both of those players In fact, Stan Flowers came from Marianna, Arkansas. My father played on the most famous Marianna team in 1928 & 29. My first cousin played with Stan and his younger cousin, Charlie Flowers, who later was an All American back at Ole Miss when I played at Tulane (or sat on the bench). I went to many Marianna games. I believe it was 1958 or 59, Tulane was Ole Miss' Homecoming game in Oxford. They had a National Championship team, with several All American players including Charlie Flowers and two Miss Americas and a first runnerup from Chi Omega sorority on their homecoming court.

Of course, Stan Flowers went to Georgia Tech along with another friend of mine Philip Baum and Wesley Gibbs. Stan had a successful career showing great promise as a freshman but was hampered by injuries at Tech.

You may remember that Coach Murray was accused of "recruiting" players from small towns in Arkansas and Mississippi.

To me, the most amazing football stories of that era were those about the Volmer brothers, Bob, Richard, and Russell, all great players. Bob played in 1953. He was a good friend of my sister. Richard played on three of the four Memphis City Championships and Russell was a star Central player, too. I was at the game when their dad died early in the day and Russell played the game anyway and was the star of the game. You're right, many great memories, and I love to talk about it.

I can tell you a lot about that period. Feel free to call me at
901-486-6436.

George Whitworth
Class of 1957

Do you have any thoughts to add to George's recollections. If so, mail them to us.