Four from Warren County make all-region
The buzz generated by the 2005 Pioneer football season might be slowly dying down as fall turns into winter, but four members of the squad recently received special recognition.
Following the elimination of the final Region 3-5A squad from the state football playoffs, coaches from around the league released this year’s all-region team — and four members of the 2005 Pioneers made the list.
Quarterback Josh Paz, as well as junior linebacker/ center Jon Paz, returned to the all-region team after being the Pioneers’ lone selections a year ago. But this year, after the Pioneers’ 5-6 campaign and playoff trip, they were joined by senior returner/ defensive back Jacob Bratcher, as well as junior tackle Todd Dunn.
The Pioneer record books have a much different look after the conclusion of Josh Paz’s career under center. In 2005, Warren County’s field general passed for 1,036 yards and six touchdowns, while rushing for 881 yards and 13 scores, both team highs. He became Warren County’s career leader in pass completions, attempts and yards in the process, and is now third on the list of all-time touchdown passes.
And for every one of those touchdowns, he received the snap from his brother, Jon. While serving as the team’s center, Jon also made quite a name for himself on the defensive side of the ball, finishing with 29.5 tackles, including six for lost yardage.
Bratcher was a newcomer to the football program for his senior year, but quickly made his presence felt as the Pioneers’ No. 1 punt and kickoff returner. He fielded 17 punts for 271 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and returned 21 kickoffs for an average of 25.9 yards each, scoring twice, including a 97-yarder. He also picked off two interceptions.
The biggest member of the Pioneer line, Dunn as also the squad’s third-leading tackler, with 39.5 stops including 28 solo tackles. He had six tackles for losses, and as part of the Pioneers’ “power” offensive set, scored a rushing touchdown in the team’s game against Tullahoma.