As we approach the middle of August with the return of school, the students favorite ‘FOOTBALL’ is underway. Oh and if any of you haven’t heard, Adam Behrens is the starting quarterback. 

The Blue Devils will open up the season this Friday night against non-conference Barrington Broncos @ the O’Plaine stadium. Kickoff is set for 7pm. Over the course of the season they will play conference games against Libertyville, Stevenson and Lake Zurich just to name a few. As well as a non-conference game against Maine South down in Park Ridge.  

Last year the Blue Devils got off to a hot start against the Broncos taking the game 19-0, with plans to do that this year. Although Maurice Edwards went off to Vanderbilt, Charlie Thompson is taking over as running back. Thompson had 29 carries for 195 yards last year and hopes to double that this year. 

The Blue Devil offense and defense are ready to take on the NSC Conference in the expectation of a 5-peat for conference champs! I had the chance to talk with Seniors Jailen Duffie and Justin Kretz on the upcoming season and how they will compare to last year. As well as Adam Behrens on his return back to football. 

“It’s my senior year” Behrens mentioned “I felt like I need to make a run to state with all my teammates that I’ve played with since youth football.

“We are not looking forward to losing, ” said Duffie.” We are coming out fast this year and are taking this down to state.” While Justin followed up with “This is a new year and we have a new team. I know that if we play hard like we do, then everything will take care of itself. We aren’t worried about anyone.” Being the fact that it’s their senior year they are willing to do whatever it takes to get them another trip to state. Duffie had 5 receptions for 165 yards and Kretz 4 for 156. 

Senior Xavier Schild included this on whether Warren is a championship team: “Warren is definitely a championship team. We are hungry and hate to lose.” Schild mentioned. “With the weapons we have this year and how profound we are, going into this season I don’t see anyone competing with us.” Schild had 5 receptions for 99 yards with 1 touchdown.

Junior James De La Paz  who played for JV last year had to say this about the varsity team: “I think this year is definitely the year to look forward to. We got a bunch of weapons on both sides of the ball and can be powerhouses on each side, “De la Paz said “ I’m very confident in the ability of our starters and every person on the bench because of how good the coach is and how well they prepare us as players. I think this year could be the year.” 

Coming off a 9-2 season, the blue devils are pushing for the opportunity on the road to state. They are ready to have the Friday Night Lights with the whole town behind them cheering them on. Will they win state..? Who knows, best watch the Warren Blue Devils because this year will be the year. I am a football fan myself and I’m waiting to see the boys be fantastic! If you’re a football fan you must check out the Warren Township Varsity Boys Football this season.