The Warren County Pioneer football team returned to the practice field July 6 to resume workouts. The extreme heat also returned just as the dead period ended. The dead period is a two-week period during the summer and was implemented by the TSSAA during the 1990s. During the dead period, high school athletes cannot have any contact with coaches.
With this period now behind them the Pioneers returned to the weight room and practice field. Head coach Tom Moore feels the dead period is a good policy.
Coach Moore said, “The way many sports overlap now gives the athletes who play multiple sports a little time to themselves. We have some boys who are working out for football, basketball and baseball on the same day. The dead period gives the boys and coaches a much needed break.”
When ask about how the team was progressing, Moore was positive. “For the most part, our players have done everything we have ask them to do and with a great attitude. Our goal is to improve a little each day and that included summer,” the coach said.
Coach Moore was quick to comment about how happy he was with the progress of sophomore quarterback Isaiah Grayson. “Isaiah Grayson clocks in for work every day. Grayson started on the varsity Pioneer basketball team as a freshman last year. I learned a long time ago that the head coach must like his quarterback and I really like Isaiah,” said Coach Moore.
On offense the Pioneers will lean heavily upon senior tailback Ricky King. King was an effective runner for the Pioneers offense last season but spent most of his time playing safety. Coach Moore hopes to get King at least 15 to 20 carries each game this year. King was involved with making a number of big plays last year and is described as quick and strong.
Coach Moore was quick to add that the strength of the team will be in the offensive line with senior Bryson Cope and juniors Ethan Stuart and Hunter Hawkins. “We are looking for a few more guys to step forward in the offensive line. It will be critical for us to be good there,” he added.
On defense for Warren County, a number of players have experience from last season. Returning starters include linebacker Brendan Breedlove and defensive lineman Hawkins, Ezra Dixon, Mitchell Stembridge, and cornerback Jacob Rabideau.
Coach Moore said the rising sophomore class is a good one. “Coach David Upton did a terrific job last year as the freshman coach. Most of those who contributed last year on the freshman team have joined the varsity this year. There are 10 to 15 of the rising sophomore boys who have potential to be really good players.”
Evan Reynolds and Jacob Morin both return as punter and place kicker. Coach Moore is looking to solidify the Pioneer kicking game this year with these two athletes. When asked about the most challenging part of team preparation, he replied in one word, “patience.” Coach Moore asks his players to improve a little every day and put together a bunch of good days, then look back and see how much you have actually improved.
On July 9 the Pioneers traveled to Dunlap to play 7-on-7 against Sequatchie and Marion County. Both Pioneer quarterbacks were very effective and efficient according to Coach Moore. The pass defense looked strong but Coach Moore said the Pioneers have a long way to go; however, Thursday’s effort was a good one.