Times Observer photo by Jon Sitler Warren runs out prior to a 33-0 win over visiting Conneaut to open its season. The Dragons will host Harbor Creek, also 1-0, at 7 tonight at War Memorial Field.

Even with Warren riding high after a 33-0 season-opening win over Conneaut over a week ago, Week 2 will prove to be a challenge.

The Dragons host Harbor Creek in a Region 5 game at 7 p.m. today at War Memorial Field. The Huskies defeated Franklin 42-7 in their opener.

“They are a Class 3A team who chose to move up a class last year, so normally Warren does not play Harbor Creek in football,” said Warren head coach Mark Morelli. “They made the playoffs last year in 4A and have had a history of success in 3A, so they are a solid program. This is a team with good team speed and good athletes; they are led by Cam Williamson, he had over 200 yards rushing last week vs. Franklin so he is the workhorse for Harbor Creek. They like to shove the ball down your throat, then hit you with play-action passes. This will be our defense’s toughest test so far this season.

“On offense, we will continue to mix things up and adjust accordingly,” said Morelli. “I’d like to think we are a multi-faceted offense that can do many things well, but Harbor Creek is going to be a challenge for us.”

Again, Warren’s young team is only a week older, even though sophomore Tommy Nyquist ran for 100 yards and a touchdown, junior Ethan Senz also rushed for a touchdown, and sophomore quarterback Eric Dippold filled in for injured senior quarterback Landon Douvlos to rush for a touchdown and throw two to senior Ben White. The defense secured the shutout by holding Conneaut to 100 total yards.

“We have prepared like we always do, with preparation comes confidence,” said Morelli. “This will be a good game to find out where Warren stands in the pecking order, especially since Conneaut was leading 18-16 at halftime (Thursday) night vs. Oil City before Oil City pulled away in the second half. It will be an emotional night with the ceremony to honor Coach Toby Shea, a lot of alumni will be at the game. It is a chance for our players to show their stuff against a quality opponent.”

Morelli pointed out that the Dragons keep improving.

“Carter Pascuzzi and his punting was kind of overlooked, his directional punts pinned Conneaut in the hole,” said Morelli. “Ethan Senz kicking extra points was a big lift for the team. Eric Dippold continues to get better and better. This week in practice, his comfort level is evident with the way he handles things. Depth is such a key when it comes to football, injuries can hurt you if the next man up cannot maintain the level of the play of the person he is replacing. We have not had that issue, and let’s hope the season continues to unfold in a positive manner.”