If this was Dillon, Texas, there isn’t much doubt that Indianapolis’ Warren Central High School football team would be the West Dillon Panthers.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Emmy-nominated television show, “Friday Night Lights” about a small Texas town completely infatuated with its high school football team, let’s just say the Panther’s were the crème de la creme. The Warren Central Warriors is our crème de la creme.
Even though the Warriors finished last season 8-3, they’re still ranked No. 3 in the nation by rivals.com, the premier ranking website for all things sports.
“We have a lot of talent,” said head coach John Hart. “We need to make sure we have a complete team that matches that talent.”
The talent Hart speaks of begins with top recruit Sheldon Day who has committed to Notre Dame. Day is a 6 foot 2 inch, 286 pound defensive tackle who will anchor the Warriors defensive line. What makes Day special is not only his speed and power, but also his football IQ.
“I love the fact that every play I get to hit somebody and they can’t avoid it,” he said. “I love the physicality and toughness that the position requires. I also love the fact that you are challenged to get to the QB instead of having a free shot.”
Day also loves that as a senior, he’s getting one last shot to add another state title to the Warriors resume. Last year ended abruptly in the first round of sectionals against Lawrence Central. They also lost to Glenville High in Cleveland.
“It left a bad taste in our mouths,” he said.
Added Hart, ” We took a lot away from those games. That doesn’t mean that they weren’t disappointing, because they were.”
With last season behind them, the Warriors are focused on one game at a time beginning with the first game of the season against Merrillville on Aug. 19.
