War Memorial Field plays host to Warren’s Homecoming game at 7 p.m. today against visiting Franklin. Photo courtesy of Mark Evans

The visiting team is more typically 0-5 than the team celebrating its homecoming. In the case of visiting Franklin and the Dragons tonight, both football teams are 0-5 for Warren’s homecoming game at 7 p.m. at War Memorial Field.

“It’s homecoming week, and we have stressed pride to the kids all week,” said Warren coach Cody Bupp. “Pride in one another, in the program, and your community. It has been a pillar in our core values since we started. When your back is against the wall, your pride is put to the test. The kids have continued to battle and show growth each week. We are now on the downslope of the season — in regards to weeks remaining. Preparation is paramount to continuing to grow.”

The young Dragons have shown glimpses of success from week to week, including an opening 22-play touchdown drive last week at Fairview. Otherwise, Warren has been outscored 258-40 on the season, including 49-15 in the Tigers’ homecoming game in a physical contest.

The last three weeks have been more competitive than season-opening 76-0 and 60-0 losses to Oil City and Sharon, respectively.

“Franklin is a senior-laden team that is hungry to get over the hump,” said Bupp. “This group has stuck together for coach (Matthew) Turk through some rough patches and, when you turn on the film, there is improvement from past seasons. They do a good job of getting their athletes touches in space.

“We have to be able to stop the run game,” added Bupp.

“Last week, we struggled at the point of attack in comparison to the previous couple of weeks,” Bupp continued. “We have to be able to answer the physicality and hold our own in our assignments.

“Offensively, we like some matchups that we feel we can get some momentum going,” he said. “The kids put together drives last week and saw what they are capable of, but we have to finish and get points on the board. Franklin likes to bring pressure and flows hard to the football.

“At the end of the day, it’s two football teams looking for their first win of the season and getting some momentum into the final couple weeks,” said Bupp.

Warren and Franklin are each looking to avoid an 0-3 start in Region 5.