2017 Early Contenders high school football preview: No. 22 Warren Central

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Video: 2017 Early Contenders - No. 22 Warren Central
Host Zack Poff shows why Warren Central deserves a national ranking.

Head Coach: Jayson West

Last season: 10-2, lost in 6A state quarterfinals to Center Grove, 28-7

Last decade: 92-31, two state titles

Famous alumni/players: Former NFL QB Jeff George, former Today Show host Jane Pauley, Fox Sports host Jason Whitlock PLAYERS TO WATCH

WR David Bell (6-2, 185, Jr.) — The top 2019 recruit in the state has 12 offers, including Ohio State and Notre Dame.



QB Jayden George (6-2, 185, Jr.) — The son of former No. 1 overall pick Jeff George.

S Julius Brents (6-2, 180, Sr.) — The fifth-rated senior recruit in the state has 13 offers, but seems to be leaning toward Iowa.

OT/DT Justin Britt (6-4, 286, Jr.) — Indiana and Iowa have extended offers his way.

WR Dean Tate (5-10, 170, Sr.) — Compiled 51 catches for 835 yards and seven touchdowns last year. KEY GAMES

Aug. 18 — vs. Center Grove (Greenwood, Ind.)

Aug. 25 — vs. Trinity (Louisville, Ky.)



Sept. 15 — at Ben Davis (Indianapolis)

Oct. 6 — at Carmel (Ind.)
STORYLINES

* George is trying to accomplish something his father did twice: win a state title for Warren Central. Dad Jeff led the program to state crowns in 1984 and 1985.

* George (36 of 52, 490 yards) was very good in spot duty last year, but has large shoes to fill as graduated senior Zach Summeier threw for 2,784 yards and 23 touchdowns against four interceptions.

* Bell was one of the top sophomores in the country last year with 68 catches for 1,201 yards and 17 touchdowns.

* Since West took over in 2013, the Warriors have gone 38-12. The year before he took over they were 5-6.

* The program continues to mourn the loss of Dijon Anderson, a star defensive back on last year's team who died from gunshot wounds sustained May 6. He was scheduled to attend and play for Southern Illinois in the fall.