It was the final practice of fall break Monday and all but a few of the Warren County Pioneers continued their weekly regiment with only two games remaining in the 2015 season. The Pioneer coaches script a series of plays specifically designed to run against their opponent’s defense.
Warren County went back to work Monday and coach Tom Moore started work on the script of plays for the game this Friday night versus the Siegel Stars.
He worked with QB Isaiah Grayson and running back Rickie King and the run game. One of the focal points Monday was the offensive line and blocking. Against several teams this season the offensive line has had trouble opening holes for the Pioneer backfield. Coach Moore worked on having the offense in the correct position to make blocks and emphasized to King the importance of following his blockers.
Assistant coaches Adam Wood and Ben Matheny worked with the receivers as the Pioneers continue to make strides in opening up the passing game. Sophomore Tyree Ladet was Grayson’s leading receiver versus Coffee County.
Warren County will be faced with another QB who will run and throw this week for the Stars. Siegel comes into Friday night’s game with an 0-8 record.
After a grueling season filled with ups and downs, the Pioneers have faced some of the top teams in the Midstate. Warren County picked up a huge win over Sequatchie County on homecoming night, the team’s first win under head coach Moore.
The Pioneer defensive front played a huge role in the homecoming win. Sequatchie County came into the game with a potent offense and a back who had already gained 900 yards on the season. The Pioneers worked tirelessly the entire four quarters and held the Indian back to 70 yards.
Said WCHS senior center Bryson Cope, “It was my first homecoming win in four years as a Pioneer.”
The week that followed homecoming, Warren County at 1-6 faced a similar team in Coffee County with a record of 2-5. Both programs rely heavily on their QBs and last Friday night the Red Raiders had the upper hand.
The Pioneers needed to contain young, talented QB Alontae Taylor, who as a sophomore has already made a verbal commitment to Vanderbilt University. On more than one occasion it appeared the defense had stopped Taylor in the backfield. To the Pioneers surprise Taylor escaped the pocket for big gains.
Friday night’s game will be at Nunley Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. The Pioneers are 1-2 at home this season. They have finished their away schedule and were 0-5 in road games.