Warriors keep pushing despite struggles

By David Wilhelm

Updated August 24, 2016 1:19 PM

Carl Luehmann probably has plenty of company among his peers in the state.

Asked to project the season for his Granite City Warriors, the seventh-year coach replied: “Big question marks.”

“We had quite a few seniors to replace,” he said. “But we’ve got some good kids out here that come and work hard every day. That’s why we keep doing it. That’s why us coaches have a passion for it. It keeps us going.”

The Warriors were 2-7 last season, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. Respectability in the Southwestern Conference is the goal.

“There’s an opportunity there,” Luehmann said. “It seems like Edwardsville and East Side reload every year. We rebuild every year. (But) we could get in the middle of the pack.”

Offense

Senior Kedrick Williba takes over at quarterback for the graduated Gabe Jarman. Luehmann said Williba has been throwing the ball well out of the Warriors’ spread offense.

“He knows the system,” Luehmann said. “We’re looking for some more leadership out of him. We’ve got some athletes to throw it a little bit. But you’ve got to run the ball a little bit, too, so hopefully we’ll get the line going and get some running, too.”

Seniors Tamajia Johnson, Steve Jenkins, Ryan Earney and Chase Gansner anchor the line.

Seniors Torrey Deal, Jacob Spears and Trevor Corey, and junior Eugene Williba, are the primary wideouts. Senior Kyle Thompson is a tight end who was the Warriors leader with 27 catches for 334 yards and two touchdowns last season. Williba had 12 catches for 131 yards and two TDs.

Senior Brandon Bettag returns at running back. He rushed for 192 yards and three TDs last season.

Defense

Johnson, Jenkins and Gansner also will play on the line. Thompson returns at linebacker after leading Granite City with 76 tackles and three sacks last season. Earney and Battag also return at linebacker and will be joined by junior Cordelle Mackin.

Corey and Spears are the leaders in the secondary at cornerback. Richard Graham is a sophomore safety.

Luehmann said tackling always is an issue because many of the Warriors players didn’t learn football growing up. A youth program has been restarted, so Luehmann hopes that will help.

“Tackling is a lost art with some of these kids,” he said. “The fundamentals of tackling (are lacking) with a lot of these kids who don’t play when they’re younger and don’t learn how to play the game. It’s a new ballgame teaching them how to tackle.”

Despite the Warriors’ struggles, Luehmann said he still enjoys being around the players.

“I tell people, it’s (about) the kids who show up here every day,” Luehmann said. “It’s neat to watch those kids progress and get better at the sport. That’s why I keep coming back. I’ve got a passion for teaching the kids how to play football.”

Southwestern Conference

ALTON: Redbirds young, but looking to improve

BELLEVILLE EAST: Young Lancers looking to grow under Stephens

BELLEVILLE WEST: Maroons celebrating football centennial

COLLINSVILLE: Kahoks trying to take the next step

EAST ST. LOUIS: Flyers look forward from strike-shortened season

GRANITE CITY: Warriors looking for improvement

EDWARDSVILLE: Tigers, Epenesa ready for state run

O’FALLON: Panthers return plenty of depth, fire power

Cahokia Conference (Mississippi Division)

CARLYLE: Good depth of talent for Class 2A

CENTRAL: Cougars are primed to take a step up