Establishing a winning program was the challenge when Scott Smith took the Warren County High School football coaching job in January. Step one toward winning was Monday when Smith led his Pioneers onto the gridiron for the first time.
With over 70 players suited up, Warren County hit the practice field to take guidance from their new coach. Smith’s energy and organization was apparent from the get go as the Pioneers zoomed through drills before getting in some scrimmage work in the late stages.
Smith didn’t want to waste time getting things done, especially when it comes to getting in his base packages on both sides of the ball.
“We have several goals for spring practice. One is to get our base offense and defense installed and the basic runs and passes that we will use throughout the season next year,” said Smith.
Evaluating his players, putting them in the proper position to make plays and building depth are also on Smith’s agenda during the 10-day practice period.
“We want to come out of the spring with a depth chart of at least three deep at every position. We’ll evaluate all of our players and get them in the proper position so they can be successful,” said Smith. “Finding playmakers – the types of kids who can score once they get their hands on the ball – is a goal as well.”
Many seniors could be scattered through Smith’s prospective depth chart as he praised his older players for their help and encouragement on the first day. Seniors Malik Ladet, Ethan Fliss and Adrian Lusk all looked like potential playmakers on the outside in drills, while Tristan Reish and Bryson Lewis were splendid while splitting carries.
At quarterback, coach Smith had a rotation that included senior Hunter Gudat and juniors Christian Wilkinson and Rickie King. Wilkinson made several impressive throws, showing off the arm strength fans have seen on junior varsity the last two years. Gudat and King, who is taking snaps for the first time, add a dual-threat element that seems to be vital in Smith’s system.
The competition for the quarterback job, along with several other starting positions, may not be settled until the fall. Position battles are one way for Smith to get his team to compete the way he wants it to in game situations this fall.
“We want to find players that want to compete and continue to fight during the entire game,” said Smith. “We want to find kids that are tough, hard-nosed and want to win at everything they do.”
The Pioneers will get to put their skills to the test twice this spring against opponents as Smith has scheduled scrimmages against Forrest and Page. Warren County will be on the road both times, including this Friday at Forrest. The home crowd will be able to get behind the Pioneers Thursday, May 8 when the team concludes spring practice with an intersquad scrimmage at 6 p.m.