DeKalb County will have swagger on its side Friday night when the Tigers enter Nunley Stadium as winners of two straight in their rivalry against Warren County.
The Pioneers will be looking to greet that swagger with a thump and capture a home victory against DeKalb County for the first time since 2009.
It will be the season-opener for both teams when Warren County and DeKalb County meet for the 13th time on a football field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Pioneer fans are encouraged to wear white as its been dubbed White Out Night at Nunley Stadium.
The Pioneers enter the game with five new starters on the offensive line and fresh faces at nearly every position. One constant is Isaiah Grayson, who is entering his third season as Warren County’s starting QB.
“He’s a dynamic player,” said Warren County coach Tom Moore. “That’s what everybody says about him. With new running backs, new receivers and five new guys on the offensive line, it’s nice to have Grayson back there. We all have confidence in him.”
Grayson has always been slippery as a runner. Coach Moore says he’s really focused on his throwing mechanics and has matured as a passer during the offseason.
DeKalb County is fully aware of Grayson’s ability.
“The script is flipped this year,” said DeKalb County coach Steve Trapp. “We’ve been fortunate in the last few years to have the experienced, four-year starter at quarterback. This season, we know Warren County has Isaiah Grayson and he’s a great player and experienced quarterback.”
Last year, DeKalb County senior QB Steven Jennings threw for 338 yards and 2 TDs as the Tigers beat the Pioneers 27-7 in Smithville. When Jennings was injured midway through the season, it gave Tyler Cantrell the starting job and he has embraced the role. Cantrell threw for 3 TDs last week in just one half as the Tigers won their jamboree scrimmage against Clay County, 20-7.
“It was tough watching Steven go down last year. He was in the midst of doing some special things in DeKalb County history,” said coach Trapp. “One thing that did happen was Tyler Cantrell got a lot of experience. We’re very confident in what we have under center this season.”
While DeKalb County moved the ball through the air last year against Warren County, the Pioneers were unstoppable on the ground. They pounded out 305 yards rushing.
The Pioneer running game looks powerful again this year behind RBs Shawn Woodlee, Jay Rozier, Ethan Cowan and others. Coach Moore says he’s been pleased with offensive execution this preseason.
“We’re lining up right, we’re holding onto the football, and we’re running the right routes,” said Moore. “We know what we’re doing and we’re playing hard. I hope that carries over to Friday night because that’s when it counts.”
Moore said the Pioneers killed themselves last year against DeKalb County. The team had a wealth of mistakes, including two TDs that were called back due to penalty.