Aug. 22--Richie Warfield was the proverbial lesser of two evils, the poison Cary-Grove picked in its attempt to defend Providence's star-studded offense in last year's Class 7A championship game.
Four Warfield rushing touchdowns later, the Celtics emerged as state champions, 31-28 winners in one of the more exciting, well-played title games in recent years.
Warfield is quick to point out the impact quarterback Justin Hunniford (Tribune Player of the Year), 6-foot-4 receiver Miles Boykin (Notre Dame) and 6-5 tight end Nate Vejvoda (Iowa) had on his productive sophomore season.
He's not willing to concede that the Celtics' offense will be easier to stop this fall.
"We have a great offensive line," Warfield said. "I've been extremely impressed with the work being done. I feel like our offensive line is going to be one of our strong points.
"Obviously losing Justin Hunniford is a huge loss, but Steve (Simowitz) was under Justin's wing for a whole year and he has really stepped up. We have so many weapons on our team. We're not worried about one aspect of the offense getting shut down. We are trying very hard not to be one-dimensional."
Providence will continue to run the spread offense that served it so well in 2014, though the emphasis, at least early on, will be Warfield.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder rushed for 832 yards and 13 touchdowns on 171 carries -- numbers that should increase significantly this season.
Tom Younker and Travis Woernerreturn to lead the offensive line, and coach Mark Coglianese confirmed the talent in the inexperienced passing attack -- 6-3 junior receiver Martez Malone has breakout potential -- while offering a more guarded assessment.
"We will have to rely on our run game, at least early on," Coglianese said. "But for the run to work you've got to be able to throw the ball, and for the pass to work you have to be able to run."
The only sophomore and one of eight non-seniors to start for Providence in the championship game, Warfield was elected a captain by his teammates heading into this season.
Coglianese couldn't recall the last time the Celtics had a junior captain, but he applauded the choice.
The seniors Warfield learned from last year were great leaders, and keeping defenses preoccupied wasn't the only thing they did for Warfield.
"I feel like they set a blueprint for how things are supposed to be run on a championship team, not just on the field but in the locker room, at school," Warfield said. "That stuff we are all emulating this year.
"The kids who were on the team last year, we know how to treat these younger players as equals. I never felt like an outcast being a sophomore on varsity, and that's how I want to treat players this year."
Helfgot is a freelance reporter.
No. 13 Providence Celtics
2014: 13-1 (3-1, T-1st in CCL Blue), beat Cary-Grove 31-28 in Class 7A final.
Coach: Mark Coglianese (71-37 in 10th year at Providence).
Playoff history: 34 appearances, 10 state titles.
He's back: Mike Markasovic, Sr., 6-2, 190, WR (41 catches, 574 yards); Brendan O'Hara, Sr., 6-2, 215, LB; Tyler Schiemann, Sr., 6-0, 225, DL; Richie Warfield, Jr., 5-11, 200, RB (171 carries, 832 yards, 13 TDs).
He's new: Martez Malone, Jr., 6-3, 195, WR; Steve Simowitz, Sr., 6-2, 195, QB.
Big name: Warfield is well-known among scouts and fans alike. Ivy League and Division I coaches will be paying close attention.
Big game: Every game in the Catholic Blue is an event, but none individually are bigger to Providence than the opener against local rival and fellow behemoth Joliet Catholic. The game is Aug. 28 at Providence.
Big question: Do the Celtics have the talent to reload and make another run at the 7A title?
Breakdown: Relatively few high school offenses have ever been as entertaining and effective as Providence in 2014, and these Celtics won't try to be. They'll more likely return to old-fashioned principles: Running the ball, controlling the clock and playing strong defense. If the passing game comes along, another deep playoff run could be in the offing.
Fast fact: Matt Senffner, who coached Providence to its first nine state titles, is on Coglianese's staff as offensive line coach. His son, Luke Senffner, is the offensive coordinator.
