Pioneers take part in 7-on-7
AJ Whitman, pictured warming up last season, is going to be a key to the Pioneer offense this fall.
When it comes to summer work, football coaches love any opportunity to compete.
The Pioneers got exactly that Tuesday, traveling to Trousdale County for a 7-on-7 workout with the Yellowjackets. While the format naturally favored the passing game over what will likely be Warren County's run-first offense this fall, coach Eric Belew still saw plenty of positives during the day's work.
"When you get down to the 3 and can't run, it's just a different element," laughed Belew about the 7-on-7 setup. "We were up and down throughout the day. I thought we started slow, then picked up. It was pretty revealing on where we are and what we need to work on. I feel like we have a high ceiling, but we have a lot to improve on to get there."
The passing game was directed by rising junior AJ Whitman, who looked fully recovered from offseason hip surgery. Whitman has built his reputation as a dual-threat quarterback, but with running eliminated Tuesday, he showed poise in the pocket and confidence delivering the football.
"I thought AJ distributed the ball really well," said Belew. "We made some typical summer mistakes, but he showed confidence in his throws."
Brant Damon also turned heads while leading the junior varsity offense as Warren County continues building depth at quarterback.
"I'm really excited about his process," said Belew. "He hit Wesley Romzek, a guy I think has a bright future, for a score."
On the varsity side, Christian Munoz emerged as Whitman's favorite target, hauling in double-digit receptions throughout the workout. Carter Lee stretched the field with several explosive catches, while Isaac Smith became a reliable red-zone option, finding the end zone multiple times.
The big plays were encouraging, but Belew knows consistency will determine how far the offense can go.
"I was pleased with our big plays, but we'll have to get more consistent," said Belew. "We had some drops and we have to catch it when it hits our hands."
The Pioneers will be use an all-hands-on-deck mentality offensively in the passing game as they’ll be looking to replace their top options from last year. Isaiah Robledo graduated and will move on to play at Bethel University, while Kristopher Robledo has decided not to play his senior year.
Defensively, Lee continued to establish himself as the type of lockdown corner the Pioneers can trust against top receivers. Marek Sadlon built on the momentum from his breakout 2025 season, while Eythan Cox and Drake Jefferson continued developing at safety.
Romzek also flashed impressive instincts in the secondary, showing a knack for finding the football despite being new to the Pioneer program.
At linebacker, Colton Wood, Colton Gater and Cameron Redmore consistently dropped into passing lanes and closed throwing windows against the Yellowjackets.
Trousdale County provided a different look than in years past after shifting to a spread offense during the offseason.
"They have gone to a spread look this year and they're athletic on the perimeter," said Belew. "We didn't create the amount of turnovers we'd want, but I thought we improved as the day went on defensively too."
Warren County has one more week of summer workouts before officially opening preseason practice Monday, July 27. The Pioneers will then welcome Spring Hill to Nunley Stadium on Friday, July 31 for their first preseason scrimmage.
"They're a returning 4A playoff team, so it'll be a good test for us," said Belew.
Look for more Pioneer coverage all season on the Warren County Way, presented by First Wealth and First National Bank.
Brent Carden photo - Carter Lee and Christian Munoz, pictured celebrating on the sidelines last fall, are emerging playmakers for the Pioneers.
