Central High School’s inaugural Red Devil Hall of Fame inducts decades of football stars

PHENIX CITY, Alabama (WBL) – It was a night of celebration when Central High School held its first Red Devil Hall of Fame – honoring football players from every decade.

Ten former Central High School football players have been enrolled — two from every decade since the school was incorporated.

Hall of Fame inductee JD McKissic graduated from Central High School in 2011. He later played for Arkansas State University and then in the NFL for the Washington Commanders. He credits his dedication and discipline to the sport to the fundamentals he learned at Central.

“Nothing beats getting your flowers while you’re alive,” McKissic said. “I am a young man. It’s an honor to be a part of this, along with a lot of the older guys who came before me to lay the foundation. I’m excited. I am happy. I am proud. I hope these guys are proud of themselves to understand the magnitude of this event. It’s something special.”

The Central High School Hall of Fame Committee surprised each newcomer with a red suit jacket with the high school crest on it. Similar to the NFL Hall of Fame jackets, the iconic symbol represents a Central Red Devil’s elite status.

Former NFL star and Central High graduate Jeremiah Castille was one of the top football stars in high school in the 1970s. From 1983 to 1989 he played as a cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Denver Broncos.

Castille says it is a tremendous honor to be inducted and that he is forever committed to Phenix City.

“What I’ve learned here and the people of this community has taught me to have a strong belief that I can leave Phenix City, go to another part of the world and be successful,” Castille said.

The late football coach Wayne Trawick was also honored. In his memory, the committee presented plaques to 3 honorees who received the Coach Wayne Trawick Award. Trawick was Central’s head football coach for 43 years and won the Alabama State Championship title in Division 6A, the largest high school classification at the time.