It was little surprise that one of Warrenton’s best football seasons in over a decade culminated with one of its best recruiting classes in years.

Five Warrenton seniors will be playing college football next season, and the players celebrated by signing their national letters of intent last week in the Warrenton gym.

Linemen Chris and Alex Vogt, wide receiver Brandon Molinari and quarterback Brenden Smith joined tight end Caleb Strauss  — who signed during the early signing period in December — and put pen to paper in front of friends, family and coaches.

“As far as I can remember, this is as many as we’ve had in a group since at least 2010,” Warrenton Head Coach Steve McDowell said. “It just goes to show the hard work that these guys have put in over the years. They’ve taken care of their athletics and more importantly, their academics, to be able to get into these schools. I think it’s a great honor and a privilege for them to be able to move on and continue their football and academic careers.”

The five players helped lead Warrenton to an 8-1 regular season in 2017.

“It’s been exciting,” McDowell said of the recruiting process. “It’s great to be able to talk to all the different college coaches and work with these guys and their parents. For a lot of them, this was their first major decision in their lifetime, and I know it can be a struggle sometimes to decide. But I love the process, and this is the payoff right here.”

Strauss — who chose Southeast Missouri State over Wyoming, among others — headlined the group.

He was a second-team all-state selection in 2017 after catching 39 passes for 548 yards and eight touchdowns.

“We always knew he had great potential and we think he’s going to be a big help to Southeast Missouri,” McDowell said. “He’s been a leader for us all four years he’s been in our program, and I think the hard work and commitment he made to football finally paid off. I think he’s going to do well for them as a tight end in their system.”

Molinari, who lined up alongside Strauss outside, caught seven touchdowns to go along with 21 catches and 344 yards.

“It’s just a great opportunity for him at Central Methodist,” McDowell said. “He’s another three-year starter for us, and I think he can do great things up there.”

Strauss and Molinari’s lives were made easier by catching passes from Smith, who broke a number of school records before being named the GAC North’s Offensive Player of the Year for the second straight season.

Smith will attend Southwest Baptist University (Bolivar, Mo.) next season.

“Brenden has brought a lot to our program,” McDowell added. “He broke school records and joined Caleb on the all-state team, and really brought a high level of leadership and work ethic to this program.”

The Vogts, who played offensive and defensive line for the Warriors, are heading to Millikin University after narrowing their list down from over a dozen schools.

“It’s going to be great that they can go to Millikin together, and they were just top-notch linemen for me,” McDowell said. “They provided great leadership for us the last few years.”

McDowell continued: “I’ve known these guys since they were little dudes in the fifth grade, every single one of them, so it’s been fun to watch them grow up. They’ve done everything that I asked them to go do, and it all paid off today.”