CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Montgomery Central has gotten off to quite the start this season. The Indians’ undefeated 4-0 record marks their best start since 2021 and represents a complete turnaround from where the program has been in recent years.

Arguably the biggest reason for Montgomery Central’s success has been senior running back Malosi Laban. Through four games, Laban has put together a historic start, recording 814 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Both statistics lead the state of Tennessee and rank among the top 40 nationally in rushing, according to MaxPreps.

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Montgomery Central head coach Wyatt Page has credited Laban’s success to his commitment to the team and his work ethic.

“He’s a great young man. He always puts the MC over me, and that reflects in his performances on Friday night,” Page told Clarksville Now. “He does things the right way, and it translates on Friday night. He’s a special player, and we’re definitely thankful to have him.”

Ranked above state’s top players

Laban leads the state in rushing yards, ahead of players such as David Gabriel Georges of the Baylor School in Chattanooga. Georges, the No. 1-ranked player in Tennessee, is committed to play in Knoxville.

Despite finding himself in the company of highly regarded players, Laban remains focused on staying humble and continuing to improve. “It feels great, but I just got to stay humble and continue to do it,” Laban said. “It means everything. All glory to God, and props to the O-line.”

The senior running back got off to a hot start with a five-touchdown performance against Sycamore in Montgomery Central’s home opener. The performance came after Laban dealt with injuries throughout the summer, but he hasn’t allowed those setbacks to slow him down.

“I worked a lot harder during the offseason, and I’ve been working hard every day at practice,” Laban said. “The summer motivated me a lot to get better, especially since I was injured.”

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Undefeated start for Central

As Laban continues to find success on the ground, Montgomery Central will look to build on its undefeated start. Friday night’s matchup against Hickman County presents an opportunity for the Indians to improve to 5-0, with Clarksville Academy already announcing its forfeit for the following week.

Page understands the pressure that comes with an undefeated record but views it as an opportunity for his team.

“Pressure’s a privilege. We’re definitely proud of where we’re at right now, but our focus all week has been one day at a time,” Page said. “Hickman County is a tough, physical, well-coached football team, and we’re excited to go compete against them tomorrow night.”

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