2026 Countdown to Kickoff: Warren Central Dragons

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) - As high school football squads across Southcentral Kentucky put in the grueling offseason work, the Warren Central Dragons are embarking on a new era. With a fresh culture and a familiar face leading the charge, the Dragons are hoping to build a foundation that restores the program to its former glory.

Back in March, Warren Central High School alumnus and former assistant Kenny Davidson was named the program’s head coach. Davidson, who has deep roots in both the local community and the school, brings a fiery energy to a program searching for its first winning season since 2014.

For Davidson, returning to lead his alma mater is a deeply personal mission.

“It’s God’s speed. It’s not my speed,” Davidson said. “With that being said, I was happy where I was, but when this opportunity presented itself, there was no way I couldn’t take on this opportunity. I mean, they’ve had seven coaches in 16 years, and I felt like it was my responsibility to bring stability back to the program.”

Adjusting to a new coaching staff is nothing new for the Dragons’ veteran leadership. This year’s senior class is now operating under their third head coach in four years. Despite the frequent transitions, players say Davidson’s hands-on approach and teaching style have completely shifted the locker room atmosphere.

“Coach Kenny’s brought us a new culture that not really anybody is used to, but I feel like he makes it simple enough for anyone to understand,” said senior lineman Dominick Lazo. “It feels a lot better to know that we have a coach that’ll work with us one-on-one or two-on-two to push us to get to the limit that we know we can achieve—not just what we think we can achieve.”

Other players echoed that sentiment, noting a spike in competitiveness and focus.

“Teamwork, leadership. He’s a good coach,” said senior Jaiden Thomas, who is playing football for the first time this season. “I’m looking for a good season this year.”

Junior Dejuan Simmons highlighted Davidson’s meticulous preparation. “He preps really good, keeps our bodies straight. We’re really focused now. He makes sure that we get all the work we need. The stuff we do is fun, but it makes us more competitive. That’s what really makes it fun.”

“I feel like we work harder with this coach,” added Houston Carter. “I feel like it’s just a lot better program since he came in.”

Last season, Warren Central returned to Class 5A for the first time in over a decade, finishing with a 3-7 record and missing the postseason. As they prepare for a demanding schedule, Davidson’s coaching philosophy centers on teaching, individual player development, and incremental daily improvement.

“We have to have the mindset ‘assume they know nothing.’ So that’s where detail comes from,” Davidson explained. “Every young man doesn’t learn the same. To be a great coach, you have to be a great teacher. I think the kids’ work ethic has been unparalleled. They never complain. They just come in and work, and that’s the recipe for success.”

Rather than focusing on long-term record predictions, the Dragons are zeroing in on immediate growth.

“One week at a time. I know it might be a cliche statement, but we want to get 1% better every day and want to worry about week one,” Davidson said.

For the players, the ultimate goal remains a postseason berth—backed by a relentless work ethic.

“I just want to see us to get better, stack days, and try to make it to the playoffs,” Carter said.

Lazo promised that fans will see a team that refuses to back down, regardless of the scoreboard. “Something you want to know about Warren Central is we won’t give up no matter what. If it’s day, night, morning... we’ll be up out here, we’ll be working out, on a run. Even by the end of the day, if it’s a win or a loss, we won’t give up.”

2026 Warren Central Football Schedule:

Week 1- August 21st vs Monroe County

Week 2- August 28th vs Franklin-Simpson

Week 3- September 4th @ Allen County-Scottsville

Week 4- September 11th @ Warren East

Week 5- September 18th @ Ohio County

Week 6- September 25th @ Greenwood*

Week 7- October 1st vs Bowling Green*

Week 8- BYE

Week 9- October 16th vs Grayson County*

Week 10- October 23rd @ Barren County*

Week 11- October 30th @ Madisonville-North Hopkins

For more Countdown to Kickoff coverage, click here.