LITITZ — Dropped by Warwick football practice on Monday morning, two days after the Warriors had a successful first scrimmage against Red Land, and three days before Warwick has its final scrimmage against Cocalico.
It was a lively practice. Plenty of camaraderie in Warriors’ camp, which is always a good thing.
Here are some notes …
WHAT I SAW: First and foremost, a really good drill featuring first-year starting QB Matt Pennypacker working on pass patterns with the Warriors’ experienced pack of wideouts.
This will be Pennypacker’s first go-around as the full-time guy, and on Monday he got a ton of reps working on pass plays, emptying out the playbook.
Coach Bob Locker said Pennypacker more than held his own in the first scrimmage against Red Land, and that the more game action he gets, the more confidence he’ll gain.
Pennypacker was spreading the ball around to all his weapons on Monday, and displayed a strong arm, even throwing on the run across his body. Good stuff.
It’ll help Pennypacker tons that the Warriors’ three leading receivers from last fall are back: Anthony Fatjo (37-457, 1 TD), Austin Myers (19-272, 4 TD) and Tommy Garner (12-146, 1 TD).
While leading rusher Gabe Taylor (188-726, 4 TD) returns, Locker insists Warwick will go more spread and air it out a little more than usual. Heck, with those experienced receivers, it’s probably not a bad idea.
Warwick was also working on special teams when I arrived. Didn’t catch his name, but the lefty kicker has a big leg; he was booting long field goals with plenty to spare.
WARWICK COUNTDOWN TO CAMP PREVIEW
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS: As mentioned, I enjoyed the camaraderie with this bunch. Not a lot of jibber-jabbering, but everyone paying attention and sticking to business. They had a great time cheering on the kicker, and the practice-ending QB-WR drill was snappy and well executed.
You can usually get a good feel about a team from a practice session. And I liked the way this bunch communicated and got along together — particularly the wideouts, who had a really nice pow-wow at the end of drills Monday.
TAKEAWAYS: There are a lot of really nice pieces here. A lot of people will be quick to point out that Warwick lost thumper o-line linchpin Tommy Devenney, but Locker is quick to point out that OG Austin Maguire and OTs Adam Wagaman and Tommy Lee Bell are vets and know the routine of a Section 1 grind. So just two newbies to break in along the o-line, and that’s not asking too much.
Locker likes his skill kids, too. Myers. Fatjo. Garner. Taylor. Pennypacker. Those guys should do some damage.
It’ll be awfully tough to break into that three-way lead pack of Wilson, Penn Manor and Lancaster Catholic in the Section 1 hunt. But the Warriors have enough firepower to give those teams a scare. Staying injury free will be a key. And giving Pennypacker enough time to get the ball to his weapons. He’s gotta stay upright. Period.
And this: Locker is super excited about the Warriors’ pipeline. Sounds like there’s some kids coming really soon. File that away in your memory banks.
Caught up with Locker during Monday's drills and chatted about his team and the upcoming season. Always appreciate Locker's brutal honesty. Take a look.