By Ken Lay
Central High School senior quarterback Kaden Long has almost completely rewritten the Bobcats’ record book.
Long’s 7,354 career passing yards and 99 total touchdowns are the most in the history of one of Knoxville’s most tradition-rich high school programs.
He added to his lofty totals Thursday night as the Bobcats (9-1 overall, 6-1 in Region 2-5A) came from behind to edge Karns, 34-28, in overtime in the regular-season finale for both schools.
Long is also tied for most passing touchdowns with Zach Helton in a career for Central. Long accounted for all five touchdowns against the Beavers. He rushed for three scores, including the game-winner in overtime before a packed house at Karns.
Following Central’s dramatic win, Long admitted that he wasn’t supposed to make the play.
“Honestly, that play wasn’t called for me, but I called my own number because I have confidence in myself,” he said. “I also have confidence in my teammates.”
Long was again a double-edged weapon for the Bobcats against the Beavers, who finished the 2026 campaign 3-6 overall and 2-5 in the region. He was 22-for-30 through the air. He amassed 109 passing yards and threw scoring strikes to Tnaj Taylor and Rondell North.
His touchdown pass to North, who had six receptions for 92 yards, tied the game with 46 seconds remaining in regulation before the contest eventually went to overtime. North gave Central a chance to win in regulation when he came up with an interception a short time later.
Long also did damage in the Bobcats’ ground attack as he totaled 109 yards and rushed for three touchdowns on 19 carries.
Bobcats’ coach Kevin Lane was far from pleased with his squad’s effort against the Beavers.
“We knew that they were going to give us a tough game,” he said. “They did it last year, and we had a terrible week of practice.
“It was so bad that on Tuesday, I stopped practice early, and it’s always dangerous when you play a team that has nothing to lose.”
Lane, however, had some lofty accolades for his senior quarterback.
“He’s a great leader,” Lane said of Long. “His leadership and toughness are big for us. He’s willing to work, and he’s willing to be coached hard.”
While Long is aware of his lofty career statistics, his numbers are not the lone or most important driving force for him.
“It’s all special to me,” he said. “But I just love being a Central Bobcat, and I’m just glad to get to play football and win with my guys.”
Like Lane, Long knew the showdown against the Beavers was going to provide a challenge.
“I figured this would be a tough game,” Long said. “We had a tough game against them last year, and they’re really a good team.”
The Bobcats will open postseason play with a home game at Dan Y. Boring Stadium.
