By Jim Mashek – Sporting Times
Jeff Griffith begins his fourth season at Warren East High School with an unenviable assignment.
The Raiders, 4-7 last season, have a senior class of just eight players. And Griffith’s squad will play host to traditional power South Warren at 7 p.m. on Friday night.
The Spartans drubbed Warren East 50-6 last season on their way to a 10-2 season. They’re loaded with returning starters, and everyone’s chomping at the bit after the delayed start due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Obviously, it’s not ideal,” Griffith said on Wednesday with a wry grin. “It’s just the way it worked with our schedule. We’ll just go out there and do our best. Try to get better.”
The Raiders can count on senior quarterback Nolan Ford, who is beginning his fourth season as the Warren East starter.
The 6-foot, 180-pound senior is a dual threat as a passer and a runner, and the Raiders operate out of a spread formation.
Ford completed 51 percent of his passes for 1,539 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. He was intercepted 10 times. Ford also rushed for a team-high 928 yards and 15 more touchdowns.
“Nolan Ford makes our team go,” Griffith said. “He’s got about 5,000 yards in total offense since he got here and is a good leader. Great guy in the locker room.”
Ford is one of the handful of returning starters for the Raiders. Others include sophomore linebacker Simon Ghee, linebacker/tight end Seth Blaine, defensive back Jaiden Durbin, offensive lineman Alex Tores, wide receiver DeSean Gilbert and running back K.J. Alexander.
Alexander rushed for 783 yards and five touchdowns last season. Gilbert, meanwhile, had a team-high 33 receptions for 437 yards and five TDs.
Griffith will field a young team, as the Raiders have just eight players in their senior class, and another eight in their junior class. That means several players will have to play both ways, at least on a spot basis.
“If you’ve got to do it, you do it,” Griffith said. “You play kids both ways until you get some depth. I’ll be starting four freshmen (against South Warren).
“We’re going to be very young, but I like the talent of our younger guys. We’ve just got to get some experience.”
In Region 1, District 2-4A, defending champion Franklin-Simpson looks like the favorite. Again.
“Until someone beats them, they have to be at the top,” Griffith said. “We’re disappointed with the way 2019 ended. We were 4-3 and didn’t win another game …
“We’re looking to be very competitive this season. A winning season.”
