Despite being 0-4, Warren’s football team is growing more experienced by the day. Nine seniors, two juniors, and 34 freshmen and sophomores listed on the roster mean many young faces to fill roles; many underclassmen are learning on the job, and that will continue at 7 p.m. today at Fairview.

“We told the kids to let the frustrations and anger from last week fuel your preparation this week,” said first-year head coach Cody Bupp. “They got back to work as only they know how. We saw corrections this week from film get carried out to the practice field. You can see things starting to click for the younger guys. We are the healthiest we have been since week one, so we are getting some depth back in positions.”

Warren played its closest game of the season last week in a 24-12 loss against Conneaut (2-2). The Dragons and Eagles had two touchdowns each in the second half. Senior quarterback Eric Dippold completed passes to five different receivers with 147 of 159 yards passing in the third and fourth quarters.

While having reloaded at the skill positions, Fairview (1-3) returned an experienced line this year and talented kicker/punter — senior Michael Gennuso, who has converted six of seven field goals with a long of 46 yards.

“Coach (Mark) Sobeleski is going to have the boys ready,” said Bupp. “It’s their homecoming. They are a well-coached team that rarely beats itself.

“They run a spread zone read and option game,” added Bupp. “(Quarterback Vincent) Campoli is a good runner, and we have to play assignment football on defense. They do a good job at getting doubles at the point of attack. They are scrappy and have battled, despite a 1-3 record. We have to be able to establish some physicality — that’s where we are lacking up front right now. We had some guys step up last week and make some plays and we are going to need that again (Friday).”