The Mid-Southern Conference race begins early as always in football. The defending MSC champions in Brownstown Central will begin their season on the road at Corydon Central.

Brownstown went 9-2 last season and undefeated in conference play, losing to only Seymour during the regular season and Triton Central in the sectional semifinal.

Plus, Coach Reed May picked up his 300th career victory in a 29-point sectional win over Indianapolis Scecina.

May spoke about the opening opponent in the Panthers.

“Last year was the first year for their new coach (Luke Keller),” May said. “They struggled, but they look a lot better and much improved this season. They have some tall and athletic receivers and on film they are much improved. We are expecting a tougher game than the one last year.”

The opening game was the first for Coach Keller, ending in a 42-6 dominating win for the Braves.

The Braves have six seniors this season: Easton Branaman, Jaden Disque, Roshaun Hehman, Cameron Markel, Greg Hutcheson and Jairdyn Kiser.

“We have a lot of guys who played for us last season, we’re counting on them to be leaders and continue to get better,” May said. “We also have some guys who are young and unproven. We have a lot of experience, but we also have a lot of new things.

“Our main goal is to get better every single week,” he added.

This will be May’s 32nd season as head man at Brownstown Central, after three decades of leading the Braves, he was asked about what he has enjoyed most about his ongoing tenure.

“It’s a great place to be, to live, and a great school. Those are reasons why I have always stayed here,” May said. “It’s a great community to raise your kids and family in. These kids work hard, do what I want them too, lift all season, we just have always have hard working teams and they make football and athletics fun to be a part of.”

“Athletics have been important to this town for quite some time,” he added. “Our school’s success in multiple sports reflects that. Brownstown has always been a great place to coach and raise your own family.”

After the opening game of the season, Brownstown will host back-to-back home conference games against Charlestown and Eastern (Pekin).

The Braves then travel to Salem and North Harrison before hosting the 2024 Jackson Bowl against Seymour on Sept. 27. The following week is another home game against Madison, before traveling south to face the Silver Creek Dragons on Oct. 11.

The final game of the season is at home on Oct. 18 against the Scottsburg Warriors. All the games begin at 7 p.m.