The Winamac Warriors have been working hard for new coach Eric Davis and they’re hoping that leads to an improved record this year.
Davis said it’s been so far, so good thus far.
“We’ve made tremendous strides I feel like,” he said. “We’ve really kind of pressed on the value of conditioning, the value of execution, and that’s been a real focus of practices.”
The Warriors return a third-year starter at quarterback in junior Xavier Adriano, who passed for 669 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 349 yards and 3 TDs for last year’s 2-8 team.
“Xavier does a nice job with the offense,” Davis said. “He’s learning like everyone else. This is a new system. It’s similar in some ways and very different in others than what they’re used to. And so it’s one of those things where there’s a learning curve and it’s testing everyone’s ability to see the big picture, how to handle and deal with adversity and the unknowing of change. Those things are really hard on kids. I think Xavier has done a nice job navigating that situation.”
Davis said the Warriors ran a wing-T with single wing principles last year. They’ll run more of a flex bone/wing-T hybrid this year. He added he’ll be calling both the offense and defense in Year 1.
“There definitely are similarities between the two systems but again, it’s a new language, a new language creates a learning curve,” he said. “Transitions are never easy, change is hard and learning how to navigate that is an important life skill.”
The Warriors also return a talented fullback in senior Tearson Wolford, who rushed for 752 yards and 5 TDs a year ago. He was the Penn Regional champion in wrestling and made it to the State Finals this past winter.
“He runs hard,” Davis said. “I think Tearson does a really nice job of being a downhill runner. And that’s what you have to be in that position. And so I think he brings an element of toughness to that position. He’s a competitor. I mean he went downstate in wrestling and I think those things are real important.”
Senior Louis Rugg III was a playmaker last year and is moving to wingback. Senior Ivan Cardenas will start at the other wingback position.
“I think we can put pressure on people when they have to defend between the tackles and on the perimeter,” Davis said.
Other running backs in the mix include Messer Loehmer, Eli Burgess and Jager Terry.
The wide receivers are Hank Haschel, Xavier Stevenson and Peyton Burke.
Davis said the offensive line has shown growth going into the season. The starting center is junior Walker Lovely, who started last year in his first year of organized football. At guard the Warriors have senior Cody Wheeler and junior Layne Tetzloff.
“I really think those three right there are really the heart of our line and really will determine how much success we’re able to have game in and game out.”
Junior Alex Stonebraker and sophomore Keegan Kough are the starting tackles who have shown good potential, Davis said.
Davis said the Warriors will run a one-high or two-high safety defensive look depending on the opponent.
“I think the heart of our defense is up front. And again, that’s Cody Wheeler, Hank Haschel, Braxton Shidler and Keegan Kough,” he said. “They’re all very formidable up front. We’re long up front, which is kind of nice. We’ve got a lot of reach. We’re learning how to play our style of defense and that’s created a learning curve as well. But I think we’ve responded well to what we’re asking our kids to do up front.”
Wolford will play middle linebacker. Senior Michael Shidler and Cardenas are the outside linebackers.
Adriano is the starting strong safety. Junior Parker Abbott is the free safety. The cornerbacks are Terry and Rugg III.
Freshman Lane Weaver has shown a booming leg as a kicker.
The Warriors are looking to post an improved season and have a big game at home against county rival West Central to open the season Friday.
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