Warrenton Prepares for St. Charles West

By Derrick Forsythe, Record Sports Editor
Posted 11/7/19

Where: St. Charles West High School. When: Friday, Sept. 27. Time: 7 p.m. Coaches: Warrenton — Steve McDowell. SC West — Gary Strauss. Records: Warrenton — 1-3. SC West — 3-1. Last Year’s …

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Warrenton Prepares for St. Charles West

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Where: St. Charles West High School.When: Friday, Sept. 27.Time: 7 p.m.Coaches: Warrenton — Steve McDowell. SC West — Gary Strauss.Records: Warrenton — 1-3. SC West — 3-1.Last Year’s Meeting: St. Charles West 41, Warrenton 21.The Warriors committed 180 yards worth of penalties and surrendered 243 yards on the ground. St. Charles West used six different backs to average six yards per carry.St. Charles West scored on its opening drive and led 28-0 by halftime.Warrenton converted on a pair of fourth-quarter drives, ultimately out-gaining its opponent in yards 321-326.St. Charles West was even efficient in a conservative passing game, completing eight of 10 throws.Warrenton scored all three of its touchdowns in the final period, with T.J. Lafaver recording two long runs and Evan Costello hauling in a long pass.Lafaver finished 11 of 19 for 148 yards.Outlook: Warrenton finally had the upper hand in Week Three and was able to enjoy success for the first time this season. The Warriors’ defense rebounded from a disappointing performance the week prior, holding St. Charles in check until the fourth quarter. Warrenton also executed its running game and was able to control the clock by using five different backs.McDowell chose to utilize two quarterbacks, capitalizing on the strengths of each.The Warriors combo of Braydan Chmiel and Zach Logan combined for 99 passing yards and rushed for 81 yards. McDowell sees the value of having both players on the field as a means of not wasting their athleticism. Warrenton needs as many weapons on the field as possible to keep the defense honest.St. Charles West is off to a successful start this season, having dispatched Winfield 72-14 in Week Four. The Warriors led 55-6 by halftime, relying on the ability of Drew Lauer and Kyle Landers.Anders has led a limited passing attack, completing 15 of 33 attempts for 329 yards and six touchdowns.Lauer is the team leader in rushing with 497 yards and five touchdowns on 33 carries.Blake Rugraff leads the St. Charles West’ defense with 52 tackles.Focal Points: McDowell expects West to run a triple option, with the wishbone being its most successful formation.Defensively, West has historically run a 4-4 defense. McDowell says the Warriors will have to key on Rugraff and prevent him from being a gamechanger. 

Zach Logan runs the ball during the Warriors' win against St. Charles.

Bill Barrett Photo.

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