Warren senior Matt Sowa (1) is tackled by Sharon defenders last week at War Memorial Field. The Dragons are back on the road at 7 p.m. today for a nonregion game at Girard. Photo courtesy of Mark Evans

After playing behemoths the first two weeks of the season, Warren’s football team travels to Girard at 7 p.m.today. The Yellowjackets (1-1) at least have one loss on the season.

The Dragons are 0-2 after being outscored by a combined 136-0 to unbeatens Oil City and Sharon. Oil City is 2-0, having outscored opponents 120-7 after a 44-7 win over Corry a week ago. Sharon is 2-0 with two straight shutouts at an 86-0 clip.

“We knew the first two weeks were going to be tough, not only physically, but from a young team and growing pains as well,” said Warren first-year head coach Cody Bupp. “As I told the kids, we learn from those matchups and improve each week.

“Injuries took a big toll on us last week, and we have a bunch of kids that will be out again (Friday),” Bupp added. “We have a couple guys that will be game-time decisions, that can be a boost in the arm if able to go. On the other hand, due to the injuries, a bunch of first-time starters again will get their chance on Friday night.

“We had an unusual practice week with two days of restrictions due to the heat, and then (Thursday), we were in the gym due to thunder,” Bupp continued. “So we had to change our approach, but make sure we were preparing to the best of our abilities. Hopefully, we got some winds back in the sails physically.”

Girard is coming off a 42-2 loss to North East.

“Girard has been on the opposite end the first two weeks,” said Bupp. “They had an exciting OT win in week one, then were shut out offensively last week by North East. I would say we are two teams that are still trying to find out about the team they have. They are a scrappy team that is looking to get back in the win column.

“They have a different look offensively from a year ago,” added Bupp. “They were all ground and pound last year, and this year primarily run a spread pass game. (Carson) Stevens is a big QB that does a good job keeping plays alive, and can throw on the run. (Jordan) Colon is a downhill runner that we must gang-tackle to bring down. They have a bunch of new faces out wide, and rotating in the backfield.

“Defensively, they are going to mix between three-and-four-man fronts. They have some big bodies back up front, and think we can try and get some momentum in areas. There are some matchups that are better for us compared to the first two weeks. We will have some new faces on offense as well, and need some of the younger guys to make the jump this week.

“I told the kids all week, it’s going to come down to execution and who plays fundamentally sound for four quarters,” Bupp continued. “We have to create some momentum and have been close the last two weeks at times. There is rain in the forecast, a grass field, so playing under control and knowing your responsibilities is going to be important.”