In the Region 7 preseason coaches poll, Warren was picked to finish dead last.

Needless to say, they’ve exceeded those expectations.

The Dragons (5-3) seek win No. 6 in their regular season when they take on Franklin (2-6) tonight on the road. With the first playoff appearance for the program since 2013 on the horizon, there is an energy around this group of Dragons.

“They’re not satisfied, but there is a sense of accomplishment,” said Warren coach Mark Morelli. “We’re looking forward to Franklin.”

The Knights are a team in flux. At 2-6, they will miss out on the postseason. They also lost star quarterback Ian Hayes due to injury. He will not play tonight.

“We were looking forward to playing against him,” Morelli said. “You want to play against the best, but at the same time, it’s still a game we have to prepare for and go out and win.”

With Haynes out, Cade Adams took over at quarterback last week against General McLane, a 35-17 win for GM.

Adams brings a different dynamic to the offense. An explosive athlete, Adams will look to create with his legs, as well as get the ball to talented receiver Dalton Buckley.

Buckley is District 10’s leading receiver with 63 receptions for 1,066 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“Last week they ran the ball more than they normally do,” Morelli said. “I would anticipate them to run the ball, but I think we’re still going to see a lot of passes. They’re going to try and get the ball to Buckley, he’s their playmaker. Even though Adams isn’t a pure passer, he’s an athletic quarterback, a lot like Micah (Passmore), he’ll take off and run with the ball.”

Speaking of Passmore, both he and junior running back James Swanson are coming off back-to-back 100-yard rushing games in wins over General McLane and Corry.

In fact, Swanson ran for a career-high 219 yards in the win over Corry, while Ethan Benedict picked up 41 on the ground.

It’s a Dragon ground game peaking at the right time, with the weather turning cold and nasty and the playoffs on the horizon.

“It’s a combination of things,” Morelli said. “Swanson brings that athleticism and vision to the table. He has an ability to make guys miss and turns them into positives.”

That also helps Passmore as well. He attempted to just three passes last week, and one was a touchdown strike to steady senior Alex Anderson.

If the Dragons can follow that blueprint against tonight, they will be very happy.

“We’re going to take what the defense gives us,” Morelli added.

Then, there’s the matter of special teams.

Ryan Arnold has five special teams return touchdowns this season, and Sawyer Mohney, despite a less than perfect game against Corry, has been steady all season. Throw in the deep kickoffs of Wes Kiehl, and this unit has been a major strength for the Dragons.

“This group of kids might be the best overall group of special teams I’ve been around in the last 10 years,” Morelli said.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

“Shut down Buckley, get the running game going, get pressure on Adams and make big plays on special teams,” Morelli said about the keys to victory.

He also added: “Respect is earned.”

It’s safe to say the Dragons have earned that this season, and they aren’t done yet.

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Statistical Leaders

Warren: Micah Passmore – 50-of-112, 698 yards, 7 TDs, 6 INTs; 90 carries, 628 yards, 10 TDs; James Swanson 43 carries, 351 yards, 3 TDs; Ethan Benedict 50 carries, 258 yards, 2 TDs; Ryan Arnold 24 receptions, 279 yards, 3 TDS; 5 special teams return touchdowns; Alex Anderson 11 receptions, 296 yards, 3 TDs; Jamo Douvlos 75 tackles, 9 tackles for loss; Easton Hultberg 50 tackles, 3 tackles for loss; Alex Zeigler 42 tackles, 6 TFLs, 5 sacks; Brent Young 38 tackles; Tony Batiste 25 tackles, 3 TFLs.

Franklin: Ian Haynes (Will not play) – 141-of-223, 1,980 yards, 17 TDs, 9 INTs; Dalton Buckley 63 receptions, 1,066 yards, 10 TDs; Eli Stewart 88 carries, 468 yards, 2 TDs