New Stadium, New Beginnings: Warrensville Heights Tigers' Road to Redemption
Warrensville Heights Football Season Preview
The Warrensville Heights Tigers are gearing up for an exciting high school football season, ready to leave their challenging 2022 campaign behind. With the completion of their brand-new stadium and their return to the Lake Erie League conference, the Tigers are determined to make their mark on the gridiron once again.
Last season may have been tough for the Tigers, finishing with a 1-9 record, but they showed their resilience with a resounding 42-26 victory over Cleveland Central Catholic in their final game. That win provided a glimmer of hope, igniting a spark that will carry them into the upcoming season.
After playing all their home games at Maple Heights in 2022 due to construction, the Tigers will finally have the chance to defend their turf on their own campus. The state-of-the-art facility will undoubtedly serve as a source of pride for the team and their fans, injecting a renewed sense of excitement and motivation.
Another exciting development for the Tigers is their return to the Lake Erie League conference in football after a brief hiatus. Warrensville Heights Athletic Director Brian Swift explained that the decision to rejoin the conference was influenced by the departure of Shaker and Cleveland Heights, aiming to improve the league's overall strength and competitiveness. The Tigers' football program has seen positive growth, and their improved numbers suggest they are ready to rise to the challenge.
Head Coach Bronson Green will lead the team this season, assisted by new defensive staff and offensive coordinators. Under their guidance, the Tigers will look to build a solid foundation and execute their game plans effectively. Coach Green's emphasis on daily improvement, attention to detail, and unity among the players reflects his commitment to cultivating a competitive and disciplined team. Green shared that his expectations are “to get better each day we take the field. Take care of the little things. To be prepared for our weekly opponent. To play together as one. If we do these things we should be very competitive.”
Key players returning to the Tigers' lineup include Dominic Cole on the offensive line and Gerald Henry on the defensive line. Both seniors garnered All-District honors last season and will serve as anchors for their respective units. Their experience and leadership will be instrumental in setting the tone for the team and providing stability on both sides of the ball.
Joining Cole and Henry are returning standout athletes Tim Rencher (RB/DB), Brian Nichols (WR/DB), and JT Graham (QB/WR). With a solid offseason behind them, this trio looks poised to step up and fill the void left by the graduation of key playmakers, such as 1000-yard rusher Victorian Ford and explosive talent Josiah Saulters. Their athleticism and determination make them promising candidates to shine on the field and contribute significantly to the Tigers' success.
The Tigers' season will kick off with an away game against the Marlington Dukes, a team that had a similar 1-9 record last year. Both squads will be hungry for a win to establish early momentum. In Week 2, Warrensville Heights will finally have the opportunity to showcase their new stadium as they face off against the Gilmour Academy Lancers. Seeking redemption from last season's loss, the Tigers will undoubtedly bring their A-game to their home opener.
The highly-anticipated return to Lake Erie League action will commence on September 22, with the Tigers taking on Maple Heights, and they will close out the regular season with five consecutive LEL matchups. These crucial league games will test the Tigers' mettle and determine their playoff aspirations. The familiarity Coach Green has with the teams on the schedule adds an extra layer of excitement as he looks forward to challenging every opponent and embracing the renewed rivalry within the conference.
The Tigers' return to their newly constructed stadium marks a significant milestone in their football journey. The team eagerly awaits the opportunity to showcase their skills and create a formidable home-field advantage. When asked about what is he looking forward to most for the upcoming school year, Swift exclaimed, “I’m looking forward to the fresh start in our new facilities! I believe all of our coaches and kids will be rejuvenated and excited to make an impact. As far as Football, I’m looking forward to seeing a revamped team. We have a lot of new faces on the coaching staff and the energy has been GREAT! I’m excited to see the results of all the work that’s been going on the last 7 months.”
Coach Green closed with “To the fans, we have been working really hard to give you guys a football program to be proud of. We can't wait to see you guys this fall!”
This article is very well written. I'm not from the Cleveland area but it makes me want to root for Warrensville Heights! Well done Sky High Sports!
Go tigers! You can do it! Momma Green is rooting for you!