Warren Brings More Than Yards to Athens Program

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By Michael V. Hannigan

There's tough. Then there's Jase Warren tough.

The Athens senior doesn't just run through defenders -- he breaks their will. You could see it on display last Friday night as he ran for three touchdowns and 120 yards in the first half alone as the Hornets rolled to a 48-9 victory over Rusk.

But numbers don't tell the whole story.

Late in the first quarter, Warren took a handoff and got hit near the line of scrimmage. The play looked like it was going nowhere, then Warren shrugged off the defender, throwing him to the ground and rumbling into the secondary like tank on spikes. The play brought the Athens fans to their feet and left the would-be tackler staring up at the lights.

It wasn't just another highlight -- it was a statement about who Warren is and what he brings to Athens football.

Coach Zac Harrell has seen this kind of performance before. "He's the type of kid that you want in your team, you want in your program. He believes -- you cut him open, he bleeds maroon. He loves this team, and he's a great leader."

That leadership is on display everywhere, according to Coach Harrell. "It doesn't just show on Friday," he said. "It shows throughout the week. If it wasn't for Jase, we wouldn't be where we're at."

In a sport that celebrates toughness, Warren sets a different standard.

Just ask anyone who's tried to tackle him.

(Photo via Athens Athletic Booster Club Facebook page.)