Warren senior quarterback Eric Dippold and the Dragons are looking for their first win tonight. Photo courtesy of Mark Evans

Warren’s football team won a junior varsity football game Monday, and that’s significant because those Dragons also play varsity.

“I’m seeing growth,” said Warren head coach Cody Bupp, whose Dragons are 0-3 in varsity games, including a 76-0 loss at Oil City, 60-0 home loss to Sharon, and 49-13 loss last week at Girard.

Warren trailed Girard just 7-6, however, before a “four-minute blip right before the half,” said Bupp.

Tonight, Warren hosts Conneaut — a team more similar to the Dragons than any opponent thus far — at 7 at War Memorial Field. It’s also Military Appreciation Night, which makes the evening a bit more important than any game thus far.

“They have 36 kids on their roster,” said Bupp. “They are kind of in that same boat.”

In his second season as head coach, Conneaut’s Josh Blood has led the Eagles (1-2) to as many wins as they had all of last season.

“They play hard for him,” said Bupp. “They are a scrappy group. They run the ball very well, (and) they’re physical up front.”

Bupp says Conneaut is on a similar maturation process as the Dragons, which can bring games like a 32-13 win over Seneca and then a 42-0 loss at Harbor Creek the following week.

Warren’s goal is to play a complete game for the first time. Bupp explained that the Dragons played well for about a quarter two weeks ago, and then a half last week.

“We have to play that perfect game and clean up the little things,” he said.

It can be frustrating for kids to be “one block away,” but “it can also be encouraging to be one block away,” he said. “Monday was a huge motivating swing to see a little bit of success (in a 20-18 junior varsity victory over Girard); seeing those meaningful reps pay off.”

On the bus ride back from the loss at Girard three days prior, Bupp told players he is witnessing their growth, “whether you’re seeing it or not.

“You’re seeing that commitment (in players) to, I’m going to give you everything I have.”