Times Observer File Photo by Scott Kindberg Warren head football coach Mark Morelli, right, is one win shy of reaching the 100th of his career. The Dragons will seek the milestone victory tonight when they travel to Mercyhurst Prep.

Warren’s football team looks for its second straight win for the second time this season on Friday at Mercyhurst Prep.

A win would move the Dragons to 4-3 overall, and give Mark Morelli his 100th career win as a head coach.

Not that it’s the first thing on his mind.

“Well, the first thing that comes to mind is to be consistent — consistent with our approach, our preparation, and our effort,” said Morelli. “We have done that this week. We have not deviated from our routine. Mercyhurst Prep may have lost to Eisenhower (last week), but they are a concern for us. It is a home game for them and homecoming, plus they are back on turf where they can use their speed. They did not play well on the grass and mud of the ‘Pasture of Pain’ in Eisenhower.

“Their quarterback, David Bahm, is 6-foot-5, 205 pounds, and may be the best passing quarterback we will see all year, and he is also their leading ball-carrier,” added Morelli. “Our defensive secondary is going to get a stern test. Yet, our offense has found its rhythm lately, and is playing with a lot of confidence right now.”

For one, the rushing attack has been boosted by 100-yard rushing games in every win. Junior running back Tommy Nyquist has run for a combined 400 yards in two of them, and senior Ethan Senz had a 100-yard game in the other win.

“Probably a key factor is we have players who are now settling into their roles and are comfortable playing their positions,” said Morelli. “As coaches, we are constantly evaluating our team; things change week to week, poor performance, injuries, sickness, etc. You have to be flexible and be able to adapt and do what is best for the team to have success. We have had to move players around and they have responded by playing well.

“I think our leadership has picked up and our team has responded to that,” he added. “We are also starting to see some improvement in areas that we have been struggling with. Our film sessions have been very beneficial in getting the proper techniques needed to block, tackle, etc.”

In addition to Nyquist’s 800-plus combined rushing and receiving yards in six games, junior quarterback Eric Dippold has over 800 yards passing with Cayden Wright the recipient of nearly half of that.

“Offensively, we have stressed a balanced attack,” said Morelli. “Our core players, Eric Dippold, Ethan Senz, Tommy Nyquist and Cayden Wright, are all capable of making big plays and having big games. Defensively, we have to continue to be in the attack mode and be physical. Last week was an outstanding total team defensive effort, holding Franklin to minus-51 yards rushing.”