Sports
PREVIEW: New Coach, New QB Look to Help Warren Make Noise in SEOAL
By: Michael Somrak
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Editor's Note: Over the next two weeks our reporters will be bringing you team previews for each team in the SEOAL, TVC-Ohio, TVC-Hocking, and our West Virginia teams. We begin in the SEOAL, where with only five teams in the conference, the competition is always tough.
As the 2014 season approaches, the Warren Warriors are looking to make some noise in the SEOAL, led by new head coach Anthony Fish.
In 2013, the Warriors finished 3-7 overall, losing six of their final seven games, leading to the resignation of head coach Andy Schob.
Since Fish stepped on the practice field as the new leader of the Warriors, there has been some change to the Warriors’ style of play, especially on defense.
It didn’t take long for senior defensive tackle Brandon Pahl to notice the difference in the team’s approach compared to last season.
“Halfway through [last] season we were just going through the motions, and got real flat towards the end,” Pahl said. “We’ve changed the defense a lot more this season to fit our personnel better.”
Fish has also installed pre-game ritual, a wooden shield that the team will touch before taking the field for games, a fitting symbol for the defensive mindset that Fish wants to instill in the Warriors.
“A shield is a warriors defensive tool,” Fish said. “And if used properly it can also be a weapon.”
Warren will have a new leader on offense as well, as senior Andrew Henthorn will take over the reins at quarterback after 2013 starter Austin Klintworth was lost to graduation. For Henthorn it is a dream come true.
“When you’re little you dream of playing quarterback for your high school team,” Henthorn said. “It’s a great opportunity to be out there and get to play with all my friends.”
However, when Henthorn goes under center in week one, he will do so behind an offensive line that features many new faces. But throughout the summer he has made sure to become well-acquainted with the guys that will be protecting him throughout the year.
“It’s coming along,” Henthorn said of his chemistry with the O-line. “We graduated most of the offensive line from last year, and it’s a work in progress.”
Warren will open the 2014 season against Parkersburg on August 29th. Playing in a dwindling SEOAL conference that has only five teams remaining, the Warriors will have some time to find their groove in their five non-conference games before their first league game during week six against the Jackson Ironmen.
'Gridiron Glory' returns on Friday, Aug. 22 at 11:30 p.m. on WOUB. You can follow the show on Twitter @gridironglory, like the Gridiron Glory page on Facebook, and follow along on Instagram @woubsports. You can also join the conversation throughout the season by using the hashtag #gridglory.