Mason Sanders is acclimating to his role as the new quarterback for the Warrenton football team.

Through six games, most recently a 41-40 overtime loss at Orchard Farm on October 2, Sanders has thrown for 1,022 yards. In the defeat, he completed 8-of-13 passes for 171 yards in an effort that Warrenton Coach Jason Koper termed ‘efficient.’

Sanders has taken over this season for Christian Blondin, who threw for just over 1,100 yards last season before he graduated.

“Being a varsity quarterback is not easy,” Sanders said. “I think the biggest help for me (has been) the support from the coaches and the offensive line. No team that we face will be able to shut down our run game and, in the passing game, I have all the time in the world.” 

Warrenton Coach Jason Koper said that the growth he’s seen in his young signal caller has come with something of a double-edged sword.

He’s got the raw skill but, with his young age, mistakes can happen. The ball got away from Sanders with a multi-interception game against St. Charles West.

“Mason is talented, he’s come a long way,” Koper said. “I've been happy with the improvement. Outside of St. Charles West, he’s played pretty well. His issues have just been a lack of experience in our skill positions in game situations when we’re playing young guys.”

The coach added that the model for Sanders’ growth is there.

The program has seen its share of players who grew while at the varsity level.

“What made us good in 2023 and 2024 was that we had a lot of guys playing varsity for two to four years,” Koper said. “Anytime you get guys varsity snaps (it’s valuable). I’m proud of the guys’ fight with a game on the line. It doesn’t matter, reps (are important). Nothing simulates game-time atmosphere and pressure.”

Junior wideout Keegan Lehmkuhl, who is the sophomore’s second-leading receiver, said the sophomore’s growth is obvious. 

“Mason is getting better every week, you can see it,” said Lehmkuhl after a game earlier this season. “He’s a young guy who is gaining experience and confidence with every game.”

Sanders and Warrenton used every offensive tool at the team’s disposal against Orchard Farm.

Junior Eli Schneider had 25 carries for 133 yards and three scores. Junior Brad Tucker rushed for 77 yards and a score as the team rushed 45 times for 258 yards.

Through the air, sophomore Ty Thompson had two catches for 66 yards and senior Jordan Lopez added four catches for 71 yards and added a rushing and receiving score.

“We still have some stuff to work on, but I feel like, as a team, we are starting to come together and play like an actual team,” Sanders said. “The offense has been firing on all cylinders, but there is still stuff we have to work on, but we are going to get it all figured out and be ready for next week.”

Koper said that while the loss will likely stay with the team for a while, the best way to rid themselves of any negativity is to come out and take care of business against Winfield at 7 p.m. tomorrow (Friday).

“We have to get better and improve upon ourselves,” Koper said. “(The goal is to) not look ahead. We have to reflect on ourselves, do self-scouting, and focus on what we need to do. One of the most overlooked things in high school football is proper self-scouting. Guys have to do what they need to do to get better; it doesn’t matter who we’re playing. We need to execute blocks and (be better in the) red zone. We need to work on things we need to improve.”