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Everlasting Joy - WCHS schedule nothing to take lightly
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James Clark
Published: Jul 11, 2021, 3:07 AM

The question on everyone’s mind as we start the countdown to WCHS football 2021 is can the Pioneers come close to replicating their 8-3 record from last year.

That topic came up Wednesday when a pal stopped by the office and noticed a football schedule taped to the wall.

“So how do you think the Pioneers will do?” he asked in a clearly loaded question.

He then took a step closer to the schedule and started to play a game I’ve come to call “Count the Pioneer Wins.” It’s a dangerous game and one which is foolish to play, yet it never ceases to draw Warren County fans into its trap.

The problems with this game are many, starting with the miscalculations my pal made right from the start.

“We open with Smithville so that should be a win,” he said. “We play Coffee County later in the season so that should be a win too.”

I find it amusing that Warren County fans always consider the DeKalb County game a win, yet the Pioneers are 4-6 in this series over the past 10 years. The Tigers are a perennial playoff team and not at all an automatic win. 

I don’t mean to be rude, but anyone who thinks Warren County is going to walk on the field and get a win against Smithville because we’re a bigger school has simply not been paying attention to high school football.

The same can be said for Coffee County. Over the past decade, the Pioneers and Red Raiders are evenly split, each winning 5 games. It’s certainly not a game we can chalk up as an automatic win.

Truth be told, Warren County left the dreaded district with all the Murfreesboro schools, but the schedule really didn’t get any easier. Oakland and Riverdale are gone, definitely a sign of happiness, but Siegel remains and Mt. Juliet has been added.

The last time we played Shelbyville in 2018, it was a 41-13 loss. And we’re 1-3 in our last four games against Franklin County.

Traditionally, White County is very bad at football so that’s a game we better win in Week 2.

Week 3 brings the great unknown, a trip to Memphis in what will be the first-ever meeting between the Pioneers and Ridgeway. This appears to be a really tough game because even if Ridgeway is absolutely awful, there’s still a 4.5-hour road trip to navigate, which is an adventure in itself.

Top to bottom, this isn’t a schedule which brings a smile. I see far more tough games than cream puffs. 

Good luck to all the folks who want to look at the schedule and play “Count the Pioneer Wins.” 

I’m confident the wins will come, but it’s sure not going to be easy.
Todd Willmore named head coach of WCHS girls soccer
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Published: Mar 19, 2025, 1:05 AM

McMinnville, Tenn. — Warren County High School announced today Todd Willmore will return as head coach of the Lady Pioneers soccer team. Willmore, a familiar face in the Warren County soccer community, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the program, having most recently coached the Warren County Middle School Girls Soccer team for the last three years.

“We are beyond excited to welcome Coach Todd Willmore back as the head coach of our girls soccer program,” said WCHS Co-Athletic Director Anthony Lippe. “His passion, leadership, and dedication to our student-athletes are unmatched, and we can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make on and off the field.”

Willmore is no stranger to the high school level, previously serving as head coach for the Lady Pioneers from 2008-2021. His return marks the next chapter for the program as he looks to build upon past successes and continue developing student-athletes. WCHS Executive Principal Chris Hobbs emphasized Willmore’s commitment to player development at all levels.

“His coaching resume speaks for itself. His plan for a coaching staff and to bridge any gaps from youth to the middle school to the high school is very encouraging. His passion and care for our student-athletes to be successful is very evident when speaking with him,” said Hobbs.

“The women’s soccer program holds a special place in my heart, and I’m truly passionate about supporting what’s best for the team,” said Willmore. “It has been a part of my life at both the high school and middle school levels for the past 18 years. I’m really excited to be heading back to the high school and am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the program once again.”