This week in Sports: Aug 3-8
The WCMS volleyball takes time together before a warm-up battle with Boyd Saturday.
For years, one of the staples of the Sunday Southern Standard sports section was the upcoming schedule (or, for a while, the Braves schedule before MLB kicked off). It wasn't flashy, but I knew I could guarantee I'd get a few calls if I accidentally left it out.
As I got older and my work shifted from print to digital, I decided I wanted to update the upcoming schedule. I thought just giving you the times and dates was easy (and space-saving) in the newspaper, but sometimes people really want to get pumped up reading about the next wave of matchups. Thus, "This Week in Sports" was born.
I'm going to be bringing that feature to the Warren County Way every Sunday. If you'd like to be the presenting sponsor of This Week in Sports, just send me an email to wcsportsauthority@gmail.com.
We'll also be introducing a Pioneer of the Week segment, which will either run with this posting every Sunday or as a standalone on the weekend. Honestly, I haven't decided which way I want to do that yet. But fear not, we're going to honor local athletes and keep you up to date with what is going on here on the Warren County Way for free.
Let's hop right into it.
WCMS sports kicking off quick
The wait is over for the youngest Pioneers and Lady Pioneers. This week, the WCMS football, girls soccer and volleyball teams will all get started, while the cross country team has its sights set on a first run in Sewanee next Tuesday, Aug. 11.
The first team up is the Lady Pioneer volleyball team, which will make itself at home early with a trio of matchups to kick off the week. WCMS will face Westwood Middle School Monday, take on Upperman in conference play Tuesday and bring in White County Thursday before hitting the road to Coffee County Friday. All those matchups, aside from Monday's, will start at 5:30 p.m. Monday is set for a 5 p.m. start.
Coach Bethany Mesaros, now in her second season leading the program, got to see her team in action over the weekend and had to come out pleased with the result. The Lady Pioneers had a great showing against both Boyd Christian and Cannon County, showing that the pipeline of talent is still flowing locally.
Ellie Dixon could be one of the players to watch all year for Warren County. Able to jump out of the gym and already offering up some vicious spikes that made opponents iffy about staying in the path of the ball, Dixon is a weapon for the Lady Pioneers that the team likes to use regularly.
On the pitch, coach Sally Willmore is hoping to recreate some of the same magic that made the young Lady Pioneers a force in conference play last fall. While some of the team's top contributors have since moved up to the high school squad, Warren County still has plenty of potential in the lineup and is looking to make a strong debut when it takes on Franklin County this Thursday at home. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.
Like the volleyball team, the Lady Pioneer soccer team will also make its way to Coffee County this Friday for a 5:30 p.m. matchup with the Lady Raiders.
Matheney hopeful for another solid season
The final tune-up is complete. Now it's time to play for real.
The Warren County Middle School football team will open its 2026 season Thursday, traveling to DeKalb County for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff after wrapping up preseason work Friday night with a dual scrimmage against Sparta and Algood at Nunley Stadium.
The Pioneers used the workout to answer plenty of questions about personnel while also identifying areas that need polishing before the games begin to count.
One of the biggest developments has been moving Mikhail Wilcher to tailback, a move coach Ben Matheney believes is already paying dividends.
"He continues to improve and he's going to cause defenses a lot of problems," said Matheney, now entering his eighth year coaching at WCMS.
Quarterback Colton Gater also continued to develop throughout camp while taking on the responsibilities of running the offense. Matheney has praised his ability to make all the reads in the Pioneer offense, also noting "his throws are getting better with his timing and placement."
On defense, Bryson Carroll and Brody Chisam led the way Friday with strong performances, but before the Pioneers hit the road to visit the Saints this week, some adjustments have to be made. Sparta had a pair of long touchdowns early Friday, something the team will have to avoid on the road when the season begins.
"We allowed too many big plays defensively that we've got to get corrected," said Matheney.
As the calendar flips from preseason to game week, Matheney is clear in the approach he'll take to get the guys prepared for a border battle.
"Mindset is our biggest focus," said Matheney. "We want them to play in the moment - focus on winning the play you're in and not worrying about what's happened or what's coming."
That mentality extends to every position on the field, where competition hasn't stopped just because the opener has arrived.
"They are going to get what they earn," Matheney said. "Starting spots are being earned daily, so if they want to keep it, they can't be complacent."
Warren County won't make its home debut until Tuesday, Aug. 18, against Bridgeforth.
WCHS Pioneer and Lady Pioneer golf teams
Pioneers getting in their swings
The Warren County High School boys golf team will face one of its toughest tests of the young season Tuesday when the Pioneers compete in the Golf Capital Classic at Lake Tansi Golf Course. Tee time is scheduled for 9 a.m.
The tournament comes after an encouraging opening week for Warren County. The Pioneers finished third at the Lawrence County Invitational to begin the season before tying for third in a six-team match at Franklin County on Thursday.
Senior Noel Davis has set the pace early, opening the year with a 75 at Lawrence County before following it with an even-par 37 to earn co-medalist honors in Winchester. Davis has been backed by a balanced lineup featuring Aiden van Vuuren, Aden Johnson and Sawyer Caten, giving the Pioneers depth as they continue to round into form.
The Golf Capital Classic annually attracts a strong field from across Tennessee, providing another opportunity for Warren County to measure itself against quality competition before district play becomes the primary focus later this month.
Upcoming schedule
(Games only, scrimmages not included)
Monday, Aug. 3
WCMS volleyball vs. Westwood, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 4
WCHS golf at Golf Capital Classic, 9 a.m.
WCMS volleyball vs. Upperman, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 6
WCMS soccer vs. Franklin County, 5 p.m.
WCMS volleyball vs. White County, 5:30 p.m.
WCMS football at DeKalb County, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 7
WCMS volleyball at Coffee County, 5:30 p.m.
WCMS soccer at Coffee County, 5:30 p.m.
