Photo submitted to Times Observer Warren football 2021 award winners include, from left, in front, Carson Farr, Nick Pennuci, and Talon Mesel and, in back, Logan Smith, Alan McAlister, Ben White, Easton Hultberg, Landon Douvlos, and Eric Dippold, with Mark Morelli. Missing from photo is Tommy Nyquist and Ben Lindquist.

The Warren Area High School football program recently honored its 2021 award winners — and forecasted a bright future — at its season-ending banquet.

After a 5-4 regular season, the Dragons were eliminated by Harbor Creek in the last quarter of their semifinal playoff game at Titusville High School.

“Seniors, you did something no Warren football team has done since 2013 — two playoff appearances in the past three years,” said Warren head coach Mark Morelli. “Your career record for four years is 22-16 — four winning seasons. You still had many memories of fun times throughout the past four years and particularly this season with your teammates that you will never forget. Your leadership is unmatched. Here is a class that won one game in junior high, yet showed what hard work, drive and dedication can do when someone puts their mind towards a goal.”

Award-winners included:

Defensive MVP: Nick Pennucci — “our leading tackler with 80 total tackles,” said Morelli.

Offensive MVP: Tommy Nyquist — 852 yards rushing, 182 yards receiving.

Overall Team MVP: Ben White — 389 yards in returns, 769 yards receiving, and scored a team-high 11 touchdowns.

JV Player of the Year: Talon Mesel.

Flickner Award: Landon Douvlos.

Most Improved: Eric Dippold — 7th in D-10 with 1,366 yards passing and 15 touchdowns.

Most Dedicated: Logan Smith — second straight year to be awarded this.

Offensive Lineman of the Year(Hayden Salapek Award): Alan McAlister.

Defensive Lineman of the Year: Easton Hultberg.

Lift-A-Thon Awards: Lightweight — Talon Mesel; Middleweight — Sam Harvey; Heavyweight — Rashad Fofina.

Scholar Athlete: Ben Lindquist.

Best Scout Team Player: Carson Farr.

“Juniors, sophomores and freshmen, build on this past season,” said Morelli. “You have big shoes to fill; competition for playing time among the 50-plus players next year will be fierce. Those who are in the weight room and show up during the summer will have the edge.

“We had 16 to 20 lifting consistently last year,” added Morelli. “Our attendance needs to be better as we need to get physically stronger.

“Recruit your friends,” he said. “You are our best recruiters. This past season we had to play jayvee games with 16 kids. I do not understand these kids when they say, ‘I will never get to play.’ We plan to have spring practice and signups in March. But I cannot emphasize enough to everyone in attendance, we need to talk to other kids to get them out for football.

“(The coaching staff has) stuck together for five years,” said Morelli. “We have a good thing going right now; we have structure and stability and it shows year-in and year-out now. These guys are genuine with their desire to see our football players improve and our team to have success. But I appreciate the arguments, I appreciate the points they try to make; that is what makes a good coaching staff, men who stand up for what they believe in, men who look for ways to improve the team.”