Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com

By Ray Hamill — The Del Norte Warriors looked good in all aspects of the game in their season opener last week, but what impressed head coach Nick White the most was their collective execution.

“I think what impressed me was the execution level for a week zero game,” he said. “We’re playing at a high level to start the season and it’s testament to how much work we put in in the offseason.

“Having a lot of third-year varsity players helps.”

That group includes RJ Loftin, Jacob Dane, Cooper Maxwell, Giancarlo Desolenni and Brody Mattz, each of whom played a key role in a 71-13 season-opening win over Kelseyville.

The Warriors will try to keep the momentum going when they play at Piedmont on Friday night after making a team-bonding overnight trip to the East Bay on Thursday.

The Highlanders are 0-1 after a 27-20 loss to Seaside in their first game, but White expects a different challenge for his players in week two.

“Their quarterback has a ton of speed,” the Del Norte head coach said. “He’s definitely a good playmaker, so that will present some different challenges from week one. Overall, they have good speed on offense and on defense.”

For the Warriors, it’s about continuing to do what they do best, although their traditional dominating ground attack appears to be a little more balanced this year with the development of Maxwell under center.

“I think we just have to execute like we’ve been doing,” White said. “We’re looking to get better every week with what we’re doing.”

Friday night’s game is set for 7 p.m., with John Pritchett and John “Mad Dog” Horner calling the action on KPOD 97.9 FM.