Warrenton senior quarterback Charlie Blondin, who lit up the scoreboard and stat sheet in his time with the Warriors, has signed with McKendree University to play football.

It was an easy decision for him after his official visit.

“McKendree is just what felt like home,” he said. “I made a really good connection with Coach (Nick) Miller since the football season. After the official visit I know that’s where I wanted to go. Also, I feel like I can learn a lot from the current older quarterbacks there right now.”

With a career that saw him throw for 4,219 yards with a 59.3% completion percentage, Blondin finished high school with a passer rating of 106.94, 36 touchdown passes, 166 yards rushing and eight rushing touchdowns.

“Charlie finished as the single season and career passing yards record holder. He holds the record for single game passing yards,” said Warriors coach Jason Koper. “He tied for the second most career passing touchdowns.”

As a team, the Warriors went 11-1, losing their only game in the postseason, and won their first outright conference championship since 1995.
Blondin, who has played football since kindergarten and started playing quarterback in the first grade, also played a little defense as a youngster.

“Kindergarten year I didn't play quarterback because I couldn’t catch a snap,” he said. So I played corner.”
Koper offered plenty of praise for his outgoing quarterback.

“Charlie was a terrific competitor. His goofy, never give-up, and ultimate competitor mindset that he carried with him every day was a joy to watch. I loved watching him play football because he looked like a young man that was just out there having fun and living a dream,” he said. “I have never watched anyone quite like him play high school football. It was an honor to coach him, and our entire community wishes him the best of luck.”

Blondin credits his coaches with helping him become the player that he is.

“Coach Koper helped me a lot since junior year when I came back, he taught me not to let things get to my head during the games,” he said. “And to just have fun, because when I do I play the best. Coach Molinari, and Coach Loyd have also had a big influence.”

And as is the case with many young athletes, parents always play a huge role.

“My biggest inspiration is my dad, he coached me as a kid, taught me how to throw the ball, and has been guiding and coaching me through the game my whole life,” he said. “Also my mom, she always believed in me and did whatever she could to make sure I had a good future in football.”