photo by Marilyn Quarles
HUNTER COOKSTON
Writer
Warriors seek redemption following last year’s difficult season end.
After a successful regular season last year where the Warriors went 10-0 for the first time since 1995, the playoffs ended in pure heartbreak as they would have an early exit in the second round. Marion County has only used the loss as motivation throughout the summer and going into the fall. Even though the loss hurt last year, head coach Tim Starkey thinks it was a loss that needed to happen for his guys to be in a better position this season.
“I think last year losing in the second round to East Robertson who ended up going to state was a game you never want to lose, but we had to lose to see what it felt like, and it put us in an uncomfortable position. I think our guys are better for being put in that situation going forth this season.”
The loss has changed the complexion of everyone inside of the Warriors locker room from the players to the coaches. Starkey believes it has fueled his squad for the upcoming year due to the sour taste it left in their mouth.
“Thinking that we were going to have a chance and go play for a state championship and to be cut short of that definitely scarred this team and coaching staff. We’re pushing them harder than we were last year at this time, but we’re able to because they are veterans. We just hope to continue to get better, so we can check that box and get over the hump.”
Tim Starkey says this has been his best summer as head coach and he credits his seniors for that. The Warriors will have 19 seniors on the team. The leadership from this team will be on display as tons of experience on both sides of the ball is coming back. Sam Pickett, Tilton Pickett, Luke Tipton, Braydon Coffelt, and Taylor Scharber are seniors looking to make a big impact in their final season.
“This has been the best summer I’ve had, the reason being is we are senior heavy. They have been really great leaders. Summers are always better when the team is driven by the players, this summer has been a good one.”
Marion County will have to play four out of their first five games on the road to start the year. Playing on the road is not always easy, however, with the leadership and experience on the team, they feel as confident as if they were playing at Bill Baxter Stadium. Starkey knows his group of guys is ready for the early road challenges.
“If you are going to have a schedule like this, you definitely want to have a bunch of veteran players to start the season off traveling so much. I think they will do fine because of who they are and what they bring to the team as far as a good group of older guys that knows what winning football looks like.”
Marion County has one goal in mind this year. The goal is fairly simple, go compete for a state championship. They certainly have the leadership, experience, size, and determination to make it happen. For head coach Tim Starkey, one thing must happen for them to have an even better shot of getting there, and that is to win the region. If Marion County wins the region they will host all four rounds at their place.
This year’s group of players is special. The Warriors this year are described as a movie-like team by the head coach. The reason for that is all of the players have stuck together playing from pee-wee to now in high school. There is certainly a very good chemistry between everyone in the locker room, which has the makings for a very special season. The Marion County Warriors are looking to have the perfect movie ending by winning the Class 2A state title.
*This is part two of a three-part series previewing the upcoming high school football season. The first games for each team will be August 23.
Staff photos
The Marion Tribune – August 8, 2024
