2022 Warren Central Warriors Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Entering the 2022 season, the Metropolitan Indianapolis Conference is wide open. Expected by many to be near the top of the league standings at season's end- if not in the pole position- are the Warren Central Warriors. In this post, we preview what could be a special season for the Warriors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The running-game will likely lead the way with three solid running backs. Senior Rodney Johnson rushed for a little over 500 yards a season ago with six touchdowns. He figures to get the lion share of the carries next year. Senior De'Marion Harris received 48 carries for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Fellow Senior [player_tooltip player_id='325838' first='Ronald' last='Baskerville'] posted 230 yards on his 53 carries. Both Harris and Baskerville can be great changes of pace for the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the passing-game, Senior [player_tooltip player_id='107090' first='Joe' last='Walker'] could be a prime target for Tippit. Warren Central's leader in receiving yards last season, Walker can test the defense vertically, but he is especially effective when running underneath. Whether running a short route, or running right past the cornerback, Walker can take advantage when the corner plays off. Even when they do not give him the space, Walker can still find ways to get off the line and get open. Last year, Walker caught 27 passes for 505 yards and ten touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, the Warriors are led by their man in the middle, Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='39065' first='Lee' last='Alexander'] Jr. The senior brings relentless energy. Even when the play goes away from him, he still runs down the ball-carrier. Alexander is an outstanding tackler, and although he officially plays middle linebacker, he can line up outside and set the edge when defending the run. Alexander compiled 71 tackles with four-and-a-half tackles-for-loss last year. He recorded five sacks and recovered one fumble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive backfield is marshaled by Junior [player_tooltip player_id='299507' first='Joziah' last='Edmond']. Edmond grabbed a pair of interceptions last year. If those Edmond can have the type of performance one would expect from him, then opposing offenses can become one-dimensional. If they have to rely more on the run, that will play into the hands of Alexander.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team also returns their main kickoff man from last season. Francisco Sanchez booted the ball 40 times in 2021 for 1,676 kickoff yards. He recorded a pair of touchbacks. Sanchez's experience could be very helpful for the special teams unit. If they can win that phase of the game then the Warriors could be in serious business in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->