Pioneers close spring by crushing Champions
In a showdown between Champions, the Pioneers proved their 2025 season was far from a fluke Wednesday night. Warren County, coming off just its second winning season since 1990 capped by a Nurseryman’s Bowl championship, were able to impose its will on the Cascade Champions, building a big first-half lead - and plenty of momentum going into the summer - in a 28-14 road scrimmage win to cap the spring.
AJ Whitman was the star offensively, showing no ill effects from hip surgery that forced him to miss almost all offseason training. He threw for one score and rushed for two more in the first half, guiding the Pioneers to a 21-0 lead by the break before coach Eric Belew sent in the subs.
Whitman’s play - a clear sign the rising junior could be ready to inherit the QB1 role this fall - was one of the major highlights on a great night for the Pioneers before going into the offseason.
“We have two things really helping us on offense - AJ’s ability to run and two really good tight ends,” said Belew, who was 6-5 in his first year on the sidelines in Warren County. “Up front, we’re really pleased. Coaches Noah Martin and Bryson Cope have done a lot to get those guys prepared and we’ve put on a lot of size. Right now, with the empty looks we have and the athletes on the perimeter, we can force people into conflict.”
Braxton Jordan and Camron Holder have become forces at the TE position, showing versatility as blockers and weapons out on routes in coach Belew’s offense. Kristopher Robledo, coming off a sensational junior year, leads a group of receivers and wings that also includes Marek Sadlon, Christian Munoz and Isaac Smith. Munoz and Smith each found the endzone Wednesday night.
Whitman set the tone on the second play, trusting his wheels to make the difference. Whitman flew past Cascade defenders on his way to a 25-yard TD run, sparking what would be a dominant first half for the Pioneers. It followed a 50-yard gallop from Dylan Aguilar, a key returning back, on the first play.
Whitman would later score on another run and hit Smith for another score as the Pioneers were sharp offensively early.
“(As a group), we’re miles ahead (of where the team was last year in spring),” said Belew. “The confidence of the returning players has went a long way. They’re eager to learn new things and more things. We’re at a place where we can be more creative - and that comes with experience and their retention of the offense.”
In the second half, Warren County got a big lift from a young guy who could break out in a big way in 2026. Munoz, who was in line for major playing time last year before a preseason shoulder injury sidelined him for the whole campaign, got loose on a jet sweep, capping Warren County’s scoring on the road.
Defensively, the Pioneers set the tone upfront with physical play, Sadlon delivered a huge hit on one of Cascade’s first plays to force a turnover and Robledo and Carter Lee - a huge addition last year who has only grown in confidence since getting back from track this spring - were there to erase things in the secondary.
“There’s always mistakes to fix on both sides, but we’re pleased with the bright spots,” said Belew.
The next mission will be trying to continue the training in the offseason. Warren County will have weight lifting sessions and hopes to incorporate its rising freshmen soon. Coach Belew noted the numbers for most of the spring around 60, giving a clear indication the football fever seems to be spreading in Warren County.
“It’s time to keep the momentum in the weight room - we have to be present this summer,” said Belew. “We want them to enjoy their summer, but the on the days we have it, we need to be there. That’ll show how bought in they are.”
The countdown for kickoff to the 2026 season in Smithville is now underway. Warren County is officially 100 days from taking the field in DeKalb County and the WCSA will be serving as the broadcast team - in partnership with Upper Cumberland Reporter - for the duration of the season.
