Submitted Photo The Warren boys soccer team opened its season with a shutout win over Titusville.

After finishing the 2023 regular season strong, and competing in the District 10 2A playoffs, Warren’s boys soccer team bumps to Class 3A. The Dragons return enough experience and talent — including seven region all-stars — to handle the challenge.

“Every season brings excitement and a new challenge, but having so many familiar faces back definitely gives us an extra boost,” said Coach Steffen Blair, whose Dragons started 0-3 before finishing 12-6-1 overall and 12-2 in Region 4. “We expect those guys to take the lead, and we’re excited to see how a talented group of freshmen integrate themselves.

“What stands out most is the leadership within the team,” said the second-year head coach. “Last season, while we had a talented group, we were young and inexperienced.”

Blair added: “Leadership was something we had to develop. Over the last 12 months, they’ve accepted that responsibility and grown into leaders, and that has really changed the dynamic of the team. That starts with our captains, Gavin (Rex), Chase (Sitler), and Quinn (Norris), but it’s a mentality that the entire team has embraced.”

That leadership will be tested in a new Region 5 with Class 4A McDowell and Erie High and 3A rivals General McLane, Franklin, Meadville, Bradford and Oil City.

There’s nine returning starters on the roster and many of those among the 10 seniors, who are Brody Alexander, Grady Corey, Marc Lewis, Jack Lynds, Jack Napolitan, Finn Ordiway, Casey Rich, Jayden Wilson, Rex and Sitler. Juniors are Jack Chapman, Cole English, Isaac Hammerbeck, Dominick Holmberg, Wyatt Kittell, Adon Maier, Luc Wilkins and Norris. Sophomores are Bill Bennett, Trey Carrington, Kyle Jones, Karson McCollough and Mason Moore. Freshmen include Gabe Dougherty, Liam Ferry, Aaron Gausman, Timmy Giger, Bryce Grolemund, Reilly Morgan, Grant Newton, and Aidan Sweet.

“This is a group that has the drive to win and they’re pushing each other every day,” said Blair. “There’s competition at every position and that goes a long way to raise the play of the entire team. Our philosophy is centered on unselfishness and work ethic. We always

want to be the hardest-working team on the field, and there isn’t a single aspect of the game where we look to an individual to carry the load. The whole team has done a great job of buying in, having trust and confidence in their teammates, and excelling in their roles. Without those principles, tactics don’t carry much weight.

“We (also) have a fantastic freshmen class coming in that has dedicated a lot of time throughout the offseason,” said Blair. “The talent and work ethic of the entire group is special. Timmy, Gabe, Reilly and Bryce made it clear from day one that they’re ready to contribute to winning and push the upperclassmen. We expect the whole class to play a large role in the future success of the program.”

That’s not the only dynamic that will push a group that embraces challenge.

“Our schedule is packed with talented teams, both in our region and district,” said Blair. “It’s going to be a challenging road, but that’s exactly what excites us. Facing strong competition will push us to get the most out of this team, and help us grow and improve. We believe these tough matchups will prepare us to achieve our goals and make us a better team in the long run. We want to give this group every opportunity to maximize their talent and potential. This is an ambitious group, and the standard is competing for a district title. It’s been 10 years since this program won the district, and this team is excited for the challenge and a chance to make their mark.”