Times Observer Photo by Cody Elms Warren quarterback Eric Dippold and the Dragons take on undefeated Cathedral Prep tonight.

Warren is coming off an emotional Region 5 home win over Harbor Creek.

The Dragons’ reward? Cathedral Prep.

The 2-0 Dragons will battle up a classification to take on the 2-0 Ramblers tonight at Erie’s Dollinger Field.

“This a very talented team ranked fourth or fifth in the state in 5A, depending on which publication you read,” said Warren coach Mark Morelli. “A key to the game … get through the game in one piece. We have also told our kids to look at this game as an opportunity; you are playing against one of the very best teams in the state, so compete against yourself.”

“For those who aspire to play on the college level, this is an excellent opportunity to measure your play against the type of player you may see on the college level depending on what school our players go to,” Morelli added. “Their play this week could end up being a highlight video to help them with recruiting at the next level. We have kids who play on travel teams for basketball and baseball seeking to find better competition, well, indirectly that is what we are doing in football, finding out where we stand against the very best the state has to offer.”

Prep has played Erie High two straight weeks, winning 49-0 and 49-6.

“They have so much speed and size, it is tough to zero in one specific area,” said Morelli. “We need to bleed the clock, keep the ball on the ground and compete as best as we can.”

Over two weeks, Warren’s wins have been led by a sophomore quarterback in Eric Dippold (305 yards, five touchdowns, three interceptions), sophomore running back Tommy Nyquist (217 yards, two TDs) and senior receiver Ben White 156 yards, three TDs). Prep has eight rushing touchdowns and three receiving in two games.

Warren wants to compete in the non-region game, but more so come away healthy, then “refocusing on our next opponent which, would be at Franklin, another regional game,” said Morelli. “The quicker we do that, the better we will be. All of the 4A schools have to play at least one of the big four — Erie, Erie Cathedral Prep, McDowell and Butler — so we are not the only school that has to navigate this road. It is what it is, there is not much we can do. It was a District 10 decision to structure the schedule this way.”

At this point, Morelli is happy with the position his team is in.

“They have put themselves in a potential run for a playoff spot, assuming they take care of their business with the remaining schedule,” he said. “They have done this because of the work they put into the summer and in the weight room. The other key factor thus far is they are a motivated team; they do everything we ask of them, that makes coaching football so much easier. The team-first attitude is a refreshing change.”

In some ways, Morelli is satisfied to be playing anyone.

“I hold my breath over this COVID stuff,” he said. “Five games in D-10 cancelled this week … I keep my fingers crossed. We continually stress to our players to follow the rules as set forth by the school district. They may not like them, but the rules are in place for their protection. They also have to think about the team; the team is bigger than the individual. The last thing we want to see happen is this thing take off and ruin a great start due to our own negligence. Even the precautions we take still may not be enough. Our opponents also have to fight this battle. As of now, this looks like a week-to-week thing. We went through it last year so that experience is something we can lean on.”