Region 5A Preview: South Warren Spartans

As the opening kickoff to high school football action in Kentucky quickly approaches, it's time to continue to break down some of the strongest programs from around Region 5A. After my last preview, it's time to explore South Warren High School, highlighting the team's previous record as well as some of the Spartans' top returners to watch. Without any further ado, here's my 2023-24 preview of the South Warren Spartans.     South Warren closed out the 2022-23 campaign with a 6-6 overall record and a fifth place finish in 5A District 2 with a 1-2 mark. The Spartans posted a 3-1 record in home games, a 2-4 mark in away games and a 1-2 finish in neutral contests. Under SWHS head coach Brandon Smith, the Spartans scored 332 points, 2,026 yards on the ground and 2,021 passing yards. South Warren officially closed out their season in a 34-0 loss to Bowling Green in the playoffs. Here's a list of some of South Warren's top returning playmakers:    At the top of my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='331739' first='Bryce' last='Button'], a 6-foot-2, 180-pound quarterback that made his presence known at the helm of South Warren's offense during his junior stint of high school football last season. In 12 contests with the Spartans, Button threw 168 completions out of 272 attempts for 2,021 yards and 16 touchdowns. The rising junior out of Bowling Green, KY. additionally recorded 90 rush attempts for 438 yards and six more scores. What stands out most about Button is his execution off the snap and overall composure under pressure, showing off his arm strength and pin-point accurate passing.    I am also very impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='735606' first='Ethan' last='Reynolds'], a 6-foot-0, 210-pound linebacker that established himself defensively for South Warren during his sophomore campaign of high school football last year. In 12 games with the Spartans, Reynolds picked up 66 total tackles, including 22 solo stops and 44 assisted takedowns. In addition to outstanding size, speed and durability, what stands out about Reynolds is his overall defensive toughness, ability to immediately apply pressure on the quarterback and his efficiency in making stops when it matters most.    Another high-level playmaker to watch out for is [player_tooltip player_id='653490' first='Jimmy' last='Sales'], a 5-foot-11, 160-pound running back that made a huge difference on the ground for South Warren during his junior season of high school football last year. In 11 contests for the Spartans, Sales recorded 159 rush attempts for 905 yards and seven touchdowns. The rising senior out of Bowling Green, KY. additionally hauled in 14 receptions for 135 yards and one score. What stands out about Sales his physicality, execution off the snap and his ability to rush past the defense into the open field. Sales utilized his footwork and toughness to break tackles and escape the pocket.    Claiming the number four spot on my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='653493' first='Bailey' last='Shoemaker'], a 5-foot-11, 175-pound wide receiver that made a considerable offensive difference down the stretch for South Warren during his junior season of high school football last year. In 12 contests for the Spartans, Shoemaker hauled in 41 receptions for 516 yards and one touchdown. Shoemaker's athleticism and well-balanced playstyle is what makes him so dangerous as he can quickly get open for passes and use his footwork and physicality to escape defensive coverage.    Another defensive talent to keep an eye on is De'Shawn Bridges, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound defensive back that made a significant defensive impact for South Warren during his junior stint of high school football last season. In 12 games with the Spartans, Bridges collected 45 total tackles, including 24 solo stops, 21 assisted takedowns and two tackles for loss. The rising senior out of Bowling Green, KY. additionally hauled in one interception. What makes Bridges so efficient defensively is his size, speed and overall awareness, showcasing quick execution and overwhelming strength. Bridges proved he can be disruptive as well as read the offense like a book.

As the opening kickoff to high school football action in Kentucky quickly approaches, it's time to continue to break down some of the strongest programs from around Region 5A. After my last preview, it's time to explore South Warren High School, highlighting the team's previous record as well as some of the Spartans' top returners to watch. Without any further ado, here's my 2023-24 preview of the South Warren Spartans.