An Early Look at the SEOAL: The 2008 Warren Warriors

[loganlocos]

Warren Warriors

Head Coach: Jim Pfifer (2nd Year, 3-7 overall)
2007 Record: 3-7 (1-6)
Division: III, Region 11
Returning Starters: 13 (6 OFF, 7 DEF)
Key Losses: Erik Keller (QB), Mike Harris (FB/DE), Roudy Oliver (RB/LB), Seth Sebring (OT/DL), Kevin Wolfer (OT), Evan Saling (OG/DT), Craig Call (TE/DE)
Key Returnees: Grant Venham (SE/DE), Seth Wellspring (TB/DB), Clay Ellenwood (QB/TE/DB), Andrew Dunfee (WB/DB), Andrew Coffman (DB), Tyler Spence (DB), Kaleb Wolfe (FB/LB), Kurtis Weekley (OG/NG), Ben Johnson (OG/DE), Jacob Lemon (OL/DL), Tyler Cox (SE)

2008 Schedule:
Aug. 22 - VS Belpre
Aug. 29 - AT Philo
Sept. 5 - VS Parkersburg South
Sept. 12 - AT Marietta *
Sept. 19 - AT Zanesville *
Sept. 27 - VS Meigs
Oct. 3 - VS Portsmouth *
Oct. 10 - AT Logan *
Oct. 17 - AT Chillicothe *
Oct. 24 - AT Ironton *

Projected Line-Up:
Offense
QB - Clay Ellenwood - 6'2 - 200lbs - JR
FB - Kaleb Wolfe - 5'10 - 205lbs - JR
TB - Seth Wellspring - 5'8 - 165lbs - SR
WB - Andrew Dunfee - 5'8 - 180lbs - SR
SE - Grant Venham - 6'3 - 190lbs - Soph
TE - Cody Alfred - 6'2 - 210lbs - JR
OT - Eric Hoon - 6'4 - 220lbs - SR
OG - Kurtis Weekley - 5'8 - 190lbs - SR
C - Jacob Lemon - 5'8 - 245lbs - SR
OG - Jonathan Arbuckle - 6'0 - 195lbs - JR
OT - Ben Johnson - 5'10 - 210lbs - JR
Other Offensive Players:
SE - Tyler Cox - 6'2 - 185lbs - JR
TB - Kyle Pritt - 6'0 - 175lbs - JR
WB - Justin Pettit - 5'9 - 155lbs - SR
QB - Josh Hilverding - 5'10 - 160lbs - Soph

Defense
DE - Ben Johnson - 5'10 - 210lbs - JR
DT - Eric Hoon - 6'4 - 220lbs - SR
NG - Kurtis Weekley - 5'8 - 190lbs - SR
DT - Jacob Lemon - 5'8 - 245lbs - SR
DE - Grant Venham - 6'3 - 190lbs - Soph
LB - Kyle Pritt - 6'0 - 175lbs - JR
LB - Kaleb Wolfe - 5'10 - 205lbs - JR
CB - Tyler Spence - 5'10 - 150lbs - JR
SS - Clay Ellenwood - 6'2 - 200lbs - JR
FS - Andrew Dunfee - 5'8 - 180lbs - SR
CB - Andrew Coffman - 5'8 - 160lbs - SR
Other Defensive Players:
DB - Seth Wellspring - 5'8 - 165lbs - JR
DT - Darrin Fulton - 6'2 - 235lbs - SR
SS - Justin Pettit - 5'9 - 155lbs - SR
FS - Tyler Cox - 6'2 - 185lbs - JR
DT - Jonathan Arbuckle - 6'0 - 195lbs - JR
DL - Cody Alfred - 6'2 - 210lbs - JR

2008 Outlook:
2007 was another step forward for Warren High School football, the debut for head coach Jim Pfifer. Although the Warriors would have like to have gotten closer to .500, the team took care of business against against county rivals Belpre and Fort Frye and sent Athens out of the SEOAL with a 32 point win.

The Blue and White missed an opportunity to get a "statement" win when they lost a nail biter against Jackson 34-31. While Warren will be hard pressed to improve on last season's 3-7 record, the team should make more steps in the right direction though they face a much tougher schedule in 2008.

The Warriors welcome back 13 starters, including 7 on defense where they must shore up a unit that allowed 40 points per game in their seven losses. Offensively, the Warriors return experience at each level should and should improve with experience.

Junior Clay Ellenwood (6-2, 200) got experience last year under center, and provides an athletic leader for the blue and white offense. Sophomore Josh Hilverding (5-10, 160) had a stellar season leading the JV team in 2007 and could push Ellenwood for the starting nod. Should Hilverding take snaps, Ellenwood has the size to move over to tight end and provide a big target for the sophomore.

Two of the Warriors top rushers from last season. Senior Seth Wellspring (5-8, 165) ran for over 5.6 yards per carry and scored a touchdown last season from his tailback spot while classmate Andrew Dunfee (5-8, 180) ran for 4.23 and a touchdown at wingback. Leading rusher, fullback Mike Harris, was lost to graduation but junior Kaleb Wolfe (5-10, 205) is likely the leading candidate to lead the Warrior ground game. Junior tailback Kyle Pritt (6-0, 175) and senior wingback Justin Pettit (5-9, 155) provide depth.

Sophomore Grant Venham (6-3, 190) had a stellar freshman campaign last fall as a playmaking wide receiver, catching 2 of the Warriors 4 touchdown passes and 5 total catches for 66 yards. Junior Tyler Cox (6-2, 185) led the Warriors in receiving last fall with 7 catches for 80 yards and a score and also returns at split end. Wellspring caught 5 passes for 109 yards.

Up front, the Warriors return three starters and hope they can make for a lack of size with their experience. Senior center Jacob Lemon (5-8, 245) will anchor the O-line while senior guard Kurtis Weekley (5-8, 190) and junior tackle Ben Johnson (5-10, 210) are also returning starters. Junior Jonathan Arbuckle (6-0, 195) should see time at guard while Eric Hoon (6-4, 220) could be the other tackle.

Defensively, Warren lined up in a 5-2 front last fall led by Wolfe at linebacker. Pritt will join Wolfe at linebacker.

Up front, noseguard Weekley is a returning starter along with Lemon at tackle. Hoon will also see time in the interior line along with senior Darrin Fulton (6-2, 235) and juniors Arbuckle and Cody Alfred (6-2, 210). Johnson and Venham will start as the bookends in the 5 man front.

All 4 defensive backs are returning starters where Tyler Spence (5-10, 150) and Andrew Coffman (5-8, 160) will play cornerback. Ellenwood and Dunfee will be the safeties. Wellspring, Pettit, and Cox provide depth in the secondary.

Warren faces a tougher schedule in 2008 than they saw in 2007. Gone are Athens and Fort Frye, two of the Warriors wins last fall, and replacing them are Meigs and Parkersburg South. Warren also will play only 4 home games and are stuck playing their final three games on the road at Logan, Chillicothe, and Ironton. The Warriors open at home against Belpre, go to Philo, and then host Parkersburg South before league play. The Blue and White also travel to SEOAL North rivals Marietta and Zanesville while hosting Meigs in a non-league game and Portsmouth for their senior night.

[air4ce1]

interestingly enough pifer has told me he was thinking of playing a 4-3 defense this year. also, dont quote me on this, but i dont think hoon is playing.

[loganlocos]

air4ce1 -

The Warriors may or may not be changing formations on offense or defense, but as of right now I'm assuming all teams are sticking to what they did last season.

[air4ce1]

its fine im just giving people a heads up on anything i hear. im not trying to degrade your work or anything...i think you do a great job assessing all of the teams!!!

[loganlocos]

air4ce1 -

No problem, I didn't think you were trying to degrade the preview or anything, I appreciate the info and will keep my ear to the ground.

The 2008 outlook has been added now.

[Cap'n Scoop]

Terrible scheduling! Awful way for the seniors to have to end their careers.

[air4ce1]

it is going to be quite a year with the last 3 games being away, but i think warren has at least 5 games that are really winnable and 5 games that they are going to have to use up every ounce they have to win...if warren could go at least 5-5 i think that would be a very successful season but heck...if were gonna win 5 we might as well win em all right?

[Paladin]

Another year of struggle. Look for a 2-8 year at best.

[BigBlueinsider]

i dont believe this will be a year of struggles.
maybe a year of upsets....

this will be the first time in the seniros' career where they have the same coach back to cack seasons. its a morale booster.

any thoughts on the seniors specifically?

[Cap'n Scoop]

The schedule will be a killer. When this years seniors were Freshman they lost by a TD to Gallia and in overtime to Jackson. They were capable of competing with these two teams. Now, for the first time in decades, those teams are not on the schedule and have been replaced by longer road trips at Ironton and Chillicothe.

[NYBuckeye96]

Tough schedule! Tough in terms of teams you are playing and tough on the gas tank!

[Orange and Brown]

I think I am gonna say that Warren will win 5 games this year.

[noreply66]

If Warren has a sub .500 record-I do look for them to be in several games going into the 4th-quarter.

[warrnwarriorfan]

It is a tough schedule for sure, but here are a couple things to consider . . .

This will be the first time in many years that the Warriors don't have a bunch of underclassmen playing varsity.

This will be Pifer's SECOND season as the head coach. YIKES, that's saying something for Warren!

This is a group of kids that have actually been winning some games at the varsity and JV level. They EXPECT to be competitive. That means a lot.

The lifting program has had a full year to have an impact. We have football players that look like football players. Really.

I actually heard someone remark the other day that they thought the team might be lifting TOO HARD! My gracious, that's something that we haven't heard in these parts for . . . well, I'm not sure you would've ever heard that before in these parts. It's a good problem to have.

Warren can take another step forward this season.

[warrnwarriorfan]

I would be interested in some of the folks "in the know" posting the actual height and weight of the players and any additional contributors. I know that some of the stats are off. I know that Locos has to "guesstimate" these and it would be nice to have the "actuals" because I think the adjustments are positive. For example, I know Cody Alfred is 6'4" and probably weighs 230-240. I've heard that Hoon is playing (and lifting). How big is he now?

Can we have some accurate stats?

[air4ce1]

Projected Line-Up:
Offense
QB - Clay Ellenwood - 6'3 - 200lbs - JR
FB - Kaleb Wolfe - 6'0 - 195lbs - JR
TB - Seth Wellspring - 5'8 - 165lbs - SR
WB - Andrew Dunfee - 5'8 - 180lbs - SR
SE - Grant Venham - 6'4 - 190lbs - Soph
TE - ???
OT - Eric Hoon - 6'4 - 230lbs - SR...mayb
OG - Ben Johnson - 5'10 - 210lbs - SR
C - Jacob Lemon - 5'8 - 245lbs - SR
OG - Jonathan Arbuckle - 6'0 - 195lbs - JR
OT- Cody Alfred - 6'5 - 225lbs - JR
Other Offensive Players:
SE - Tyler Cox - 6'2 - 185lbs - SR
TB - Kyle Pritt - 6'0 - 175lbs - JR
WB - Justin Pettit - 5'9 - 155lbs - SR
QB - Josh Hilverding - 5'10 - 160lbs - Soph
OL- Nathan Greathouse - 6'1 - 250lbs - Soph
TE - Tim Morrison - 6'1 - 175lbs - Soph
OL - Zack Place - 6'2 - 210lbs - Soph
OL - Kaleb Singer - 5'10 - 210lbs - JR
WB - Justin Yocum - 5'10 - 160lbs - JR
WB - Evan Arnold - 5'7 - 160lbs - JR
QB - Cort Zoller - 5'9 - 165lbs - JR
?? - Erik Mason - 5'10 - 150lbs - JR
OL - Marcus Mayle - 6'1 - 240lbs - Soph
Defense
DE - Jonathan Arbuckle - 6'0 - 195lbs - JR
DT- Kurtis Weekley - 5'8 - 190lbs - SR
DT - Jacob Lemon - 5'8 - 245lbs - SR
DE - Cody Alfred - 6'5 - 225lbs - JR
LB - Grant Venham - 6'3 - 190lbs - Soph
LB - Kaleb Wolfe - 5'10 - 205lbs - JR
LB- Clay Ellenwood - 6'2 - 200lbs - JR
CB - Tyler Spence - 5'10 - 150lbs - SR
SS - Andrew Coffman - 5'8 - 160lbs - SR
FS - Andrew Dunfee - 5'8 - 180lbs - SR
CB - Seth Wellspring - 5'8 - 165lbs - SR
Other Defensive Players:
DT - Darrin Fulton - 6'2 - 235lbs - SR
SS - Justin Pettit - 5'9 - 155lbs - SR
FS - Tyler Cox - 6'2 - 185lbs - SR...mayb
DT- Nathan Greathouse - 6'1 - 250lbs - Soph
DE - Tim Morrison - 6'1 - 175lbs - Soph
DE/DT - Zack Place - 6'2 - 210lbs - Soph
DT - Kaleb Singer - 5'10 - 210lbs - JR
SS - Justin Yocum - 5'10 - 160lbs - JR
CB - Evan Arnold - 5'7 - 160lbs - JR
CB - Cort Zoller - 5'9 - 165lbs - JR
SS - Erik Mason - 5'10 - 150lbs - JR
DT - Marcus Mayle - 6'1 - 240lbs - Soph

just moved a few things around and added a few more people. still not really sure who will be the tight end...possibly alfred but he did play OT last year. good thing is we have some big sophmores comin up who could really get some time on the line allowing alfred to play tigh end. not sure if cox is playing but if he is he should get a lot fo time at wide out along with venham. also a question on hoon. the defense is based on a 4-3 because ive been told thats the plan for this year. we'll see how that goes and ill give you any more information as the season goes on.

good luck warriors and GO BLUE

[WarriorBoy]

If John Minsker has his grades up he will be a nice addition. He can play OLB.

[warrnwarriorfan]

I don't think I've ever seen Mr. Minsker. Is he a transfer?

Air4ce1, thanks for the updates. I hope Hoon does play.

[air4ce1]

minsker is new this year...he has a solid pair of hands from what ive seen and look pretty strong and quick. hes pretty aggressive too (fights a lot in school lol)
warrenwarriorfan-he is good freinds with seth harris

[swamisez]

If Warren can improve the margin of defeat, I will consider this year a great year.

If they can find a way to be within 7-17 points of league foes, I will look back on this year as the watershed year.