2021 PFN Team Preview: The Warren Dragons @WarrenFootball

Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 10, News

TC Jones | June 23, 2021

The Warren Dragons

Head Coach: Mark Morelli

Assistant Coaches:

Greg Miller
Eric Rozanski
Kevin Reagle
Cody Bupp
Shawn Wilson
Ken Hinton
Andrew Egger
Doug McAlister

2020 Record: 5-3

2021 Warren Dragons PFN Page

DATE	OPPONENT	LOCATION	TIME/SCORE
08-27	vs. Conneaut (0-0) *	War Memorial Field	7:00 pm
09-03	vs. Harbor Creek (0-0) *	War Memorial Field	7:00 pm
09-10	@ Cathedral Prep (0-0)	Dollinger Field	7:00 pm
09-17	@ Franklin (0-0) *	Franklin Stadium	7:00 pm
09-24	vs. Meadville (0-0) *	War Memorial Field	7:00 pm
10-01	@ General McLane (0-0) *	Linden Field	7:00 pm
10-08	vs. Oil City (0-0) *	War Memorial Field	7:00 pm
10-15	@ Northwestern (0-0)	Louis J. Rogers Field	7:00 pm
10-22	@ Seneca (0-0)	Bob Diffenbacher Stadium	7:00 pm
10-29	vs. Corry (0-0)	War Memorial Field	7:00 pm

* – denotes league game
(SCR) – denotes scrimmage

Following a 5-3 record in 2020 and a third straight winning season, the Warren Dragons continue to raise expectations in 2021. Fifth-year head coach Mark Morelli was proud of how his team performed in 2020, especially with the hardships the team had to deal with during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Given that every team in District 10 faced adversity last season, our kids showed some resilience and grit. They answered the bell each week,” said Morelli.

Proving they belong

Morelli also understands that 2021 is a new year, and his team is ready to compete and continue to prove itself. And the Dragons have some pieces in place to continue the recent success. 

Quarterback Landon Douvlos surprised many last season by throwing over 1000 yards and setting the record at Warren High School for single-game passing yardage. And with two-year junior tackle Allen McAllister (6’2 240lb) anchoring an experienced offensive line returning three starters, Douvlos should be in a good position to add to his impressive stats. 

But competition in District 10 is stiff, and Coach Morelli knows there is still much the Dragons need to improve.

“We are a better program now in terms of being competitive, but District 10 teams present a challenge every week,” said Morelli. “We have to find a way to compete with the perennial contenders in the league.”

Young players filling key roles

The Dragons defense returns five starters, three of which are on the defensive line. There will be some questions in some of the linebacker and secondary roles, but Coach Morelli has faith in his young talent. 

“We have several letter winners to pick from to fill the remaining vacancies on defense,” Morelli explained. 

With some younger and less experienced players filling key roles on offense and defense, Morelli knows that team chemistry and culture will play a significant role in the Dragon’s success in 2021. 

“As the ultimate team sport, team chemistry is a big part of the game of football,” Morelli said. “We need to continue to compete and be more consistent every day. You know the old saying, ‘You either get better or get worse, but you never stay the same could be a good way to look at our upcoming season.”

Key Returning Players:

Offense:

Landon Douvlos SR QB 5’10 185

Alan McAlister JR OT 6’2 270

Luke Becker JR OT 6’1 200
Easton Hultburg SR OG 6’0 220
Gage Shaffer SR TE 6’1 210
Ben White SR END 5’9 160

Defense:

Easton Hultburg SR DE 6’0 220
Alan McAlister JR DT 6’2 270
Justice Greene SR DE 6’5 205
Gage Shaffer SR LB 6’1 210
Derek McMeans SR DB 6’1 150

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