By Chris Parker
Warsaw has been consistent over the past three seasons with at least eight wins in each campaign. Last season, Warsaw finished 8-4 overall falling to Father Tolton Catholic in the district title game.
“Last year we were able to have a lot of success throughout the season,” Warsaw head coach Ryan Boyer said. “We had a good balance of seniors and underclassmen contribute to this. We look to build off the momentum that we created last season.”
Seven starters return on each side of the ball.
On offense, the Wildcats will look to run the ball once again.
“We have an experienced group in the backfield and a hard-working group up front,” Boyer said.
That experienced group in the backfield includes quarterback Garrett Ferguson along with running backs Jayce Depriest and Josh Harvath. Harvath, a junior, led the team with 995 yards and 18 touchdowns on 132 carries last season. Depriest was just behind him with 944 yards on 107 carries and 11 touchdowns as a junior. Ferguson, a senior, also rushed for over 900 yards at 908 and 13 touchdowns while throwing for 838 yards and nine touchdowns.
All three players earned all-conference and all-district honors.
Kendall Bagley returns up front on the offensive line for his senior season. He is a three-year starter.
Drake Murrell (WR/RB), Shane Poyser (WR), Jayce Hubert (WR) and Logan Gemes (K) round out the returning offensive starters.
Defensively, Murrell is the leader at outside linebacker after pulling down 100 total tackles, four sacks and two interceptions on his way to all-state, all-conference and all-district honors.
Harvath (LB/FS) and Poyser (DB) are the other returning all-conference selections on the defensive side of the ball. Harvath had 49 total tackles last season while Poyser had 20.
Dakota Todd (DL), Sonney Garrett (DB), Sean Reinersten (DB), Hubert (DB), Depriest (LB/SS) and Bagley (DL/OLB) round out the returning starters on defense.
“Fast and physical is our motto and these kids have done a great job buying into that,” Boyer said.
Seniors Mason Anderson (OL/LB), Charles Young (OL/FS), Trent Downing (OL/DL) and Issac Henderson (OL/DL) along with juniors Luke Henderson (WR/DB), Ayden Burdick (OL/DL), Ryan Fajen (QB/DB), Urijah Phillips (OL/DL), Brennan Slavens (RB/LB), Noah Siebert (TE/LB) and D’Angelo Rameriez (RB/LB) are newcomers to watch.
“I am excited for this upcoming season,” Boyer said. “Our boys have been working hard and doing everything asked of them. Our community has been great in supporting our program and helping out in any way possible.”
Warsaw opens the regular season on Aug. 30 at Lawson.
