Andy Close
The Warren Dragons know the challenge they have in front of them when they welcome the Oil City Oilers to War Memorial Field tonight.
The Oilers, the defending District 10 champions, haven’t lost a regular season game since Sept. 14, 2018 against General McLane, or in other words, they have an 18-game regular season winning streak.
They are coming off a 28-13 win over Conneaut, which beat the Dragons 28-0 in their opener.
After a slow start offensively through the first six quarters, Warren found its footing in the second half against Franklin last week.
The Dragons scored 35 points in the second half, thanks in large part to James Swanson, who accounted for 251 rushing yards and 81 receiving yards in the victory.
Swanson, quarterback Micah Passmore and the rest of the Dragon offense will have to be in top form to keep pace with a vaunted Oiler offensive attack.
A bulldozing offensive line, led by Mario Fontanazza, paves the way for a rushing attack led by Cam Russell, who has 555 yards through three games.
When OC does go to the air, which is rare, they are incredibly efficient. Holden Stahl is 11-of-15 passing for 284 yards and three scores. Dakota Cole (8-18-2) is his top target.
The Dragons will lean heavily on their rushing attack of Swanson, Passmore and Alex Borger, as well an an experienced offensive line that came alive in the second half against Franklin.
“We’re going to find out exactly where we stand,” Warren coach Mark Morelli said.
The game will be broadcast on Facebook Live at D9and10sports.com.
