OUR PRESEASON SUPER 7 TEAM-BY-TEAM PREVIEWS BIG ...

Football Night in Union
Weddington Warriors
It had been a long time since Weddington’s
football program finished a season with a sense of
hope. But last year, the Warriors dropped down to
FAST FACTS
head coach: Justin Hardin, second
season (5-7)
Returning starters: Offense, 7;
defense 6
conference: Southern Carolina 3A/4A
2009 record: 5-7, 2-3
2010 schedule
Aug. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Cuthbertson
Aug. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Forest Hills
Sept. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .North Gaston
Sept. 10 . . . . . . at Charlotte Ardrey Kell
Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . .at Gastonia Huss
Oct. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charlotte Olympic
Oct. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Parkwood
Oct. 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anson Senior
Oct. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Porter Ridge
Oct. 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Sun Valley
Nov. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marvin Ridge
the Class 3A level and hired the energetic Justin
Hardin, who changed the culture of a program
that didn’t win a game the previous season.
Once a pushover in the powerful Southwestern
4A conference, the Warriors were the surprise
squad of the Southern Carolina 3A/4A, qualifying
for the state playoffs.
Still, Hardin says there’s more work to be done.
Hardin would like to improve on his team’s 5-7
record and fifth-place league finish. The Warriors’
conference title hopes were dashed after they lost
three of their five conference contests, all of which
they led at the half. In 2010, Weddington returns
13 starters and is adopting the credo “ finish,” hoping
to capture that ever-elusive winning season.
OFFENSE
Junior quarterback Drew Podbrebanac has
some big shoes to fill after the graduation of
Duke recruit Anthony Boone, who contributed
2,239 total yards and 23 touchdowns. Hardin likes
Podbrebanac’s football IQ and competitive fire,
which the coach said should thrive in the team’s
ball-control, smash-mouth offense.
But don’t expect the Warriors to rely too much
on the run. Hardin said the Warriors will surprise
opponents with a balanced attack.
Podbrebanac won’t carry the load alone. The
Warriors return four starters on the offensive line
and speedy running back Brandon Little, who
Co-ed • 24 Hour Club Access
Secure, Clean Environment
State-of-the-Art Equipment
Reciprocity at all Anytime Fitness Clubs
Group Exercise Classes
Private Showers
Nutritional Services
Private Personal Training
broke his arm in the fifth game
last season. Little finished
fourth in the 100-yard dash at
the Class 3A state meet.
DEFENSE
Hardin preaches a hardhitting,
nasty defense, and allconference
linebackers Zack
Davis and Hunter Moore fit the
bill. Defensive back Cole Finch
played well last fall, and senior
lineman Brandon Kersnowski,
who’s committed to Wofford,
has enough size and strength to
make up for the graduation of
300-pound Darius Kilgo.
SPECIAL
TEAMS
Hardin hopes soccer player
Zak Smith can fill in after the
graduation of all- conference
kicker Casey Lange.
Domnique Ardrey and Little
will return kicks.
Wear your High
School team jersey
and win a
free
chair massage
With the purchase of 3 month
membership. Expires 9-30-10.
– Chris Hunt
Warrior Brandon Kersnowski has committed to Wofford.
Special Offers!
Join with a
buddy and save
$10 off
monthly dues
Some restrictions apply,
see club for details.
Expires 9-30-10.
3 free
personal
training sessions
With Pre-paid
memberships
Some restrictions apply, see club
for details. Expires 9-30-10.
Located in the Shoppes at Wesley Chapel • 704-661-3320
5941 Weddington Monroe Road, Suite 107, Wesley Chapel, NC 28104
www.anytimefitness.com
16 FALL 2010 • UNION COUNTY WEEKLY www.unioncountyweekly.com
Chris Hunt/CWNG photo