When coach Paul Martin got the chance to group his Lady Pioneers together in Crossville Saturday after four tough battles on the gridiron, he started listing all the firsts the girls accomplished in the history of Warren County.
Saturday was the first time the Lady Pioneers took the field, Ari Rippy scored the school’s first flag touchdown and also recorded the group’s first ‘Pick-6,’ and, before the Stone Memorial playday was done, Warren County – most importantly – came away with its first win.
Victories No. 2 and 3 came in quick succession as the Lady Pioneers left the day with major success as they compiled a 3-1 record in a historic day for Warren County sports.
“We didn’t know what to expect going into the day, so we were stressing to the girls to not get discouraged. It was time to learn what the game is about,” said Martin. “We wanted to do what we could do and build as a team. After the first game, they really bought into what we’re trying to do and they got better every game.
“Now we want to build on the success we had and move forward getting better each game and compete every day.”
While the official victories won’t start until the season begins this Friday, March 7 with a matchup at Gordonsville, nobody was going to stop the Lady Pioneers from celebrating instant success on the football field. After falling 12-6 to Bledsoe County in the opener Saturday, Warren County went on a winning streak, beating Blount County 20-6, Rhea County 12-6 and Cleveland 7-6.
Coach Martin saw his team find its footing throughout the day, a promising sign as the group should only get stronger this week as the full allotment of spring players join the fold after completing winter sports.
“Incorporating the basketball girls and opening the playbook will be the things this week,” said Martin. “We kept it pretty vanilla Saturday – those are a lot of the teams we will play this year and we didn’t want to give things away. We want to be multiple – multiple plays out of multiple sets – so that’s a goal this week.
“I think we’re starting with a good base and getting everybody in the fold will only add to our overall athleticism. Flag pulling will be key. We were in spots to make stops and just missed the flag some Saturday. It’s always going to be about continuing to teach the basics as we teach the game of football on the run.”
Zoe Jones was the table setter offensively, running the show at QB for the Lady Pioneers throughout the day. She found chemistry with Rippy, Zoey Snider, Sabella Martin, Kendra Fann, Ashlyn Graves and a host of receivers through the air as Warren County moved the ball well in all four contests.
Rippy was a blur on the ground, racking up nearly 400 yards in four games, while Willow Durant had a 42-yard TD as Warren County showed it won’t be afraid to hand it off to speedsters this spring and let them fly through defenses.
On the other side, Paytyn Schofner had three interceptions, pacing a Lady Pioneer back line that was stingy, especially near the redzone. Shelby Miller also had an interception, as did Avery Womack, Marlee Sliger and Lesley Mirafuentes. Snider flashed as a potential elite pass rusher for Warren County this season, recording three sacks Saturday.
After playing on the road this week, the Lady Pioneers will make their home debut next Friday, March 14 against Bledsoe County. Kickoff will be at 6 p.m.
Photo provided – It was all smiles for the WCHS flag football team after winning three games Saturday at the Stone Memorial playday.