Jack Warren, already a leader, also wants to become an ironman for Heritage this season
Jack Warren started on the defensive line when he was a sophomore.
As a junior, he took over for an injured teammate at tight end, playing both ways for Heritage for much of the abbreviated spring season.
Now, he wants to do all of that for every game of a full season.
It is his last year of high school football, and Jack Warren wants to make the most of it.
“I want to play every down. I want to play this sport I love. I want to be there with my brothers,” Warren said. “I don’t want to miss anything.”
The Heritage Timberwolves have not been known as a football power by any means through the years. But with leaders such as Warren, Heritage is hoping to turn the tide.
“There is probably nobody in our program in the last three years who has worked as hard as him consistently,” said Heritage coach Dennis Moody. “Not only that, he is close to a 4.0 student. Great character. Great leader.”
Warren was a freshman when Moody joined Heritage as an assistant coach. Moody took over as head coach when Warren was a sophomore.
This year, the plan for Warren is to play every down — for his teammates, for his coaches.
“He knows what it takes to play that ironman football,” Moody said. “He’s committed to doing it. In fact, if I did take him off the field, he’d get mad at me.”
Warren is also committed to Heritage. Living in an era when top athletes are asked to change schools, Warren said he never entertained the idea. Oh, he was asked, he said, but no way. This is his school.
“If you’re truly good, you can change a program,” Warren said. “We’re talking about changing the culture here and making a difference. If I stay here and I’m a good role model and can help lift this team up, maybe more people will do the same.”
For Warren, it is not just about his senior season. It’s about the seasons to follow.
“I’ve been here all four years. It feels good to be part of it and put my imprint on this team,” Warren said. “This year I’m focusing on being more of a leader, teaching all of the freshmen, too.”
And Warren loves the junior class on this squad. The junior class is truly special, a group of guys who should gain valuable experience this season and be ready to do some damage next year.
“I believe in them,” Warren said. “They’re going to be great. I’ll definitely come back next year and watch some games.”
If all goes well this season, Heritage will be on the way to some big things. This is the first true season that the Timberwolves will be in the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League. (If you discount the 4A/3A schedule in the spring.) And even in the spring, Heritage got two wins against 3A programs.
Today, the team is dealing with injuries and other issues which are having an effect on practice. So it could take a few weeks for the Timberwolves to find their footing this season.
No matter, Warren has big plans for this squad.
“I just hope we go out and do our best. If we can make the playoffs, I’d love that. That would be amazing,” Warren said. “I just want to ball out as much as we can and earn respect from all the other teams. That’s the goal.”
That way, Warren will be able to leave high school football proud of his accomplishments, regardless of the win-loss record. For Warren, football is so much more than the scoreboard.
“I love the sport. It’s my everything. Football to me is really getting to know yourself. Through football, I’ve worked through all of my problems,” he said.
He is looking forward to this final season with Heritage.
“Once your brother gets a victory, that’s a victory for everyone,” Warren said. “You celebrate with the whole team. You celebrate with family dinners. I love all of that.”
