After four weeks of the football season, every time out has got to feel like the first week for the Warrenton Warriors.

That’s because, after a series of injuries, there aren’t many on the roster who have seen the same amount of time on the field.

While a 17-0 loss to visiting St. Charles West dropped the team to 2-2, there were some signs of hope for the team coming out of its storm of injuries.

A nice piece of evidence for that is junior starting running back Bradley Tucker. Tucker overcame any trepidation and returned to full-time duty in the loss to West.

“I sprained my ankle in week one,” Tucker said. “It was very scary to start. Once I got hit, I got up and it (the injury) was pretty much out of the equation of worry.”

Tucker said he thinks the team will be far better off because it could count on brothers junior Eli and sophomore Henry Schneider to carry the load at running back in his absence.

Eli leads the team with 296 rushing yards and two scores, while his 135 yards and, just like Henry, one score have aided the offense.

“I’m very proud of how Eli and Henry played when I wasn’t out there,” Tucker said. “They played very well and stepped up. They hustle and they both have good vision. Henry had never taken a varsity snap before this year, and neither did Eli, I think. They are both very capable players. I think (being on the sidelines and seeing their effort) was (Important). It helped me see how they were able to succeed.”

With a bolstered rushing attack and a defense that didn’t allow a touchdown – as both of West’s scores came on interception returns for scores – there’s plenty of daylight on the horizon, Coach Jason Koper feels.

The coach added that the six interceptions, even if two weren’t for scores, were just too much for a team to overcome.

“Defensively, we played real well,” Koper said. “The only (exception) was on a long play they got to set up the field goal. You can’t win a high school football game with that many turnovers,” Warrenton Coach Jason Koper said. “We didn’t establish the run game the way we wanted to. We had a lot of good blocks, but they had a lot of guys coming free (for tackles).”

Statistically, Tucker returned to carry the ball 13 times for 34 yards.

Defensively, Eli and Henry Schneider had identical stat lines with seven solo tackles, three assists and a fumble recovery.

Senior Marcus Greene had six solo tackles, an assist, and a sack, while senior Markel Greene had three solos, an assist, and a sack.

Senior Drake Brandriff had three solo tackles, three assists and a sack.

This Friday, Warrenton heads to Holt (2-2) for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Last season, Holt won at Warrenton by a 24-14 score.  

“They’re very explosive,” said Koper of Holt. “Even in the games they’ve lost, they’ve scored a lot of points. I think the way we play defense, we can stop a lot of teams, but we’ve got to be ready to go, and we’ve got to move the ball.”

For Tucker, the chance to play at full speed, knowing he’s ready to go, is an exciting proposition.

“It’s nice to be back and playing, for sure,” Tucker said. “Obviously, I was hoping for a better outcome in the game. I am excited (for what’s to come).”