On paper, Warren will be favored in each of its final three games, beginning tonight when they make the short trip to take on Corry.

The Dragons know that means very little, however, if they don’t come out and execute on the field.

“We have a lot play for,” said Warren coach Mark Morelli.

Here’s some of what to look for when the two teams line up tonight at 7 p.m.

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Welcome back

The Dragons (3-4) will get back Collin Salapek and Justin Eck this week, their offensive tackle anchors and 2-way senior starters.

Salapek will wear the No. 70 for the remainder of the season in honor of his brother, Hayden, who tragically lost his life in an ATV accident.

“He lets his play do the talking,” Morelli said. “I’ll be very surprised if Collin Salapek isn’t the best lineman on the field. He’s been throwing some people around in practice this week. He really wants to go get out on the field and play for his brother.

Eck will return from injury, and, while he won’t be at 100 percent, his return will certainly be welcomed.

“He’ll be limited, but he will play,” Morelli said.

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Offense looks to get back on track

The Dragons have scored just 12 points in the last two games, but those were against the two best teams on their schedule – Oil City and General McLane.

The firepower is still very much there, led by quarterback Jake Kupchella, running back Marvin Bryant and receivers Devin McMeans and Ryan Arnold.

Kupchella has thrown for 1,688 yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions, while Bryant has 578 rushing yards and 346 receiving yards. McMeans leads the team with 520 receiving yards on 20 catches (26.0 ypc), while Arnold is averaging 27.5 ypc. with four touchdowns.

“There’s been a giddy-up to their gallop,” Morelli said about his squad’s effort as a whole this week in practice. “I think the kids have bought into the fact that we have a lot to play for. They’re showing a lot of pride, pride for Warren football that is coming back. That’s been evident on the practice field.

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What will they see from Corry?

Corry is multiple on offense, showing a lot of different looks.

“They’re kind of a mixed bag,” Morelli said. “Some games they come out in Power I and try and shove the ball down your throat. Other games they’ll come out and run the spread offense and throw the ball. We’re preparing for both.”

To that end, Corry plays two quarterbacks – senior Zach Lesher and junior Trey Redrup.

Lesher has thrown for 278 yards and Redrup 235.

On the ground, it’s a mix of multiple backs, including sophomore Landen Weis and junior Logan Harrington.

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Close, but not a common opponent

Despite the proximity, Warren and Corry isn’t exactly a game that’s been played a lot in football over the years.

But Warren is happy to see the Beavers, who are also 3-4, on their schedule.

“There isn’t a lot of history,” Morelli said. “I think the kids are happy. There’s a little bit of a friendly rivalry because we’re so close. And I’m sure Corry has the same outlook. Everybody’s happy that we’re playing this game.”