Bradley Warren
TRENTON, Ga. - The Dade County football program has evolved since Bradley Warren arrived as coach prior to the 2008 season, including a run to the second round of state playoffs in 2010.
He would like the building to continue.
"The football culture here was almost non-existent," Warren said. "We are big here on setting goals."
And setting records.
A record of 3-7 last season still stings a bit. The Wolverines lost a heart-breaker in the season opener, 26-21, to rival North Sand Mountain. It sent the ball rolling in the wrong direction as the losing streak reached six games.
"I don't think we played to our potential every week," Warren said. "We'd have a stellar game then, then lose a close game, then look like a different team."
The Wolverines salvaged three wins in their final four games, prompting a sense of optimism in the offseason.
"I think we'll be a surprise team this year," sophomore lineman Reid Hulgan said. "I don't know if we want to remain a surprise.
"We'd rather have [opponents] scared."
Younger players joining the varsity team are used to a system of success. Warren said the rising juniors and sophomores were a combined 44-3 during their years playing middle school and junior varsity ball.
"We feel like we're starting to see some farm product coming up through the ranks," Warren said. "The biggest thing I've liked since last season is that a level of commitment has showed up week in and week out."
Contact David Uchiyama at duchiyama@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6484.