WARRIORS BANKING ON EXPERIENCE TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS: 2023 EDGEWOOD FOOTBALL PREVIEW

East Palestine, OH- The Edgewood Warriors are gearing up for an electrifying 2023 high school football season, and all eyes are on their impressive roster and determined coaching staff as they prepare to take the field. After a playoff season in 2022 that concluded with a solid 6-5 record, the Warriors are hungry for more success and are armed with a lineup that boasts both experience and raw talent.

Last year’s campaign saw the Warriors wave goodbye to some key playmakers due to graduation, including their leading receiver Christian Cunningham. Despite this setback, the team’s youthful core showed immense promise and resilience, setting the stage for what’s to come this year. With an incredible 15 seniors and 20 starters who have honed their skills over at least two years of varsity playing time, the Warriors are now Ashtabula County’s most seasoned team.

The offensive front will remain a stronghold for the Warriors, as their entire offensive line from the previous year returns, led by the exceptional Nick Barger. Barger’s intelligence and strength make him a cornerstone of the team, particularly as a reliable pass protector. Under center, the Warriors will have the privilege of fielding Tony Hall, Ashtabula County’s leading passer from the 2022 season. Hall’s impressive stats from his inaugural year as the full-time starter—nearly 1,900 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions—demonstrate his prowess and potential.

The receiving corps stands as one of the Warriors’ strongest assets, featuring names like Anthony Hunt, Jacob Ernst, and Zach Carlton-Hull. Hunt’s precision, Ernst’s athleticism, and Carlton-Hull’s agility create a formidable trio that promises to keep opponents on their toes. Additional talents like Austin Zall, Ben Schwartfigure, and Michael Bisbey further deepen the pool of pass-catching abilities.

In the backfield, the tandem of Zeke Lucas and Seth Enos offers a blend of power and resilience that sets them apart. These running backs are known for their exceptional strength, often requiring more than a single hit to bring them down. Moreover, their blocking skills provide an extra layer of protection for Hall, the quarterback.

While offense captured attention in 2022, the Warriors’ coaching staff has placed a strong emphasis on defense as they prepare for the forthcoming season. With the return of the formidable linebacking duo, Seth Enos and Zeke Lucas, who collectively tallied over 200 tackles last year, the team has a solid foundation to build upon. The defensive line’s performance is expected to elevate, and playmaking abilities within the defensive backs, led by Hunter Braat who snagged 4 interceptions in 2022, are poised to keep opponents on their toes.

The Warriors’ 2023 schedule will see some new faces, with four fresh opponents added. Youngstown Liberty will serve as their home opener, followed by matchups against Painesville Harvey, Hawken, and Madison. The final regular-season showdown against bitter rivals Lakeside, who the Warriors managed to best 32-28 last year, promises to be a thrilling conclusion.

Coach Olajuwon Cooper exudes confidence in this year’s roster, describing them as a potentially special group with a strong focus on high-level competition and fundamental excellence. The leadership of the 15 seniors is expected to be a driving force, guiding the team’s performance throughout the season. Cooper’s assertion that success hinges on consistently playing at a high level and imposing their will on opponents underscores the Warriors’ determination. Coach Cooper was quoted “We can be expected to compete at a high level and be a fundamentally sound football team in all facets of the game. Our 15 seniors provide great leadership and will be catalyst for us all season. To be successful this season we must consistently play at a high level and dictate games to our opponents. We are looking to impose our will and do whatever it takes to win. We’ve had a great offseason and now it’s time for that work to pay off!”

For fans eager to witness this exciting journey unfold, all of the Warriors’ games will be available to stream live on www.YSNlive.com. As the Edgewood Warriors gear up to make their mark on the 2023 high school football season, anticipation and excitement are reaching a fever pitch. This year holds the promise of memorable moments, fierce competition, and the unwavering spirit of the Warriors’ community rallying behind their team.