Pioneer Position Previews: Special Teams
As the 2026 football season approaches, the Warren County Way will be breaking down the Pioneer roster position-by-position. We’ll take a closer look at the quarterbacks, running backs/B-backs, wide receivers/tight ends, offensive line, defensive line, linebackers, secondary and special teams before Warren County kicks off the season at DeKalb County.
Special Teams
Games aren't always won by the offense putting together a long drive or the defense coming up with a turnover. Sometimes it's the hidden yards that make all the difference.
That's where special teams come in.
Warren County saw the value of the third phase throughout its six-win season last fall. The Pioneers had a dangerous return game, dependable kicking and a punter capable of flipping the field. Now coach Eric Belew has to replace some important pieces while hoping the players returning can make the unit even better.
There are reasons for optimism.
Gavin Looper is back after accounting for 51 points as Warren County's kicker last season, while the Pioneers have several athletes competing to replace Isaiah Robledo in the return game. Warren County will also have to replace Xavier Simmons as its punter after the senior consistently helped the Pioneers win the field-position battle last fall.
It's a phase that can easily get overlooked until something goes wrong. The Pioneers would rather make sure opponents notice when things go right.
3-2-1 Breakdown - Three Questions
Can Looper handle the whole operation?
Warren County already knows Looper can kick. Now the senior is adding another job.
“We feel really confident with Looper at kicker and now punter as well,” said Belew.
Looper made five field goals last season and handled 60 kickoffs, but punting belonged to Simmons. He was excellent in the role, averaging 36.7 yards on 25 attempts, booming a long of 52 yards and pinning opponents inside the 20 nine times.
That's a lot of production for Looper to replace.
If he can come close while maintaining his consistency as a kicker, Warren County won't have to sacrifice much after losing one of its most dependable specialists.
Who replaces Robledo's explosiveness?
This isn't about finding somebody who might become dangerous - the Pioneers are replacing somebody who already was.
Robledo averaged 29.4 yards on 11 kickoff returns last season and took one 75 yards for a touchdown against Cannon County. He was equally dangerous fielding punts, averaging 27 yards with a long return of 53.
Belew isn’t expecting one player to inherit the entire job or replace man who has moved on ot play at Bethel University.
Marek Sadlon is expected to handle punts, while Huck Damon, Carter Lee, Isaac Smith and Kayden Solomon are working on kickoff returns.
“We will return by committee,” said Belew.
Solomon may be the most intriguing newcomer. While he's new to Pioneer football, he's already proven his explosiveness in track, where he has established school records in multiple events.
Replacing Robledo's production won't be easy, but Warren County at least has plenty of athletes willing to take a shot.
Has Looper added another weapon?
Sometimes a stat can make an offseason comment much more interesting.
Looper had only three touchbacks on 60 kickoffs last season.
Now?
“He is putting the ball in the end zone at times and that can be a huge weapon,” said Belew.
If that becomes routine, it's a significant development. Instead of asking 10 teammates to sprint downfield and make a tackle, Looper can simply eliminate the return altogether and let Warren County's defense take over.
Two Observations
Don't overlook Farless and Duenas
The most important people on a field-goal attempt aren't always the ones getting their pictures taken afterward.
“Elijah Farless is an extremely consistent long snapper,” said Belew. “Guys like him are hard to find.”
Oswaldo “Ozzie” Duenas will handle holding duties, with AJ Whitman serving as his backup. Belew has been equally pleased with Duenas' consistency.
It's not glamorous work. It's also the type of work that becomes incredibly noticeable the second something goes wrong.
The return game has a high bar to clear
Warren County didn't merely have one dangerous returner last season. The numbers show special teams consistently provided good field position.
The Pioneers piled up almost 1000 yards on returns (658 on kickoffs and 197 punt-return yards) and consistently averaged over 20 yards per touch. Robledo was responsible for much of it and that's the standard Sadlon, Damon, Lee, Smith and Solomon - and perhaps others - inherit.
One Simmons Says Prediction
Last year's special-teams prediction called for Looper to make a field goal from at least 35 yards and Simmons to uncork a 50-yard punt. Both were checked off before the season ended.
It's time to put more on Looper's plate. The senior will record at least five touchbacks and average 35 yards or better as Warren County's punter.
