If you took a look at 5’9 Eli Warner, you wouldn’t guess he’s one of Utah’s top high school football players. The junior running back is slightly undersized for his position, and still he dominated opponents through six games this season.
Warner has 15 total touchdowns, 12 rushing and three receiving. The 12 rushing touchdowns are tied for the second most in Utah, next to first most at 13. It’s possible Warner would have the lead, if not for an ankle sprain at Stansbury last week, which hampered him and the Miners offense in their first loss of the season.
Warner leads a Park City squad that focuses on a balanced offensive attack and strong defense. The team has leaned on their running game thus far, with Warner’s backup Ethan Cunningham also totaling three touchdowns. Quarterback Bash Bodily has four touchdowns through the air and on the ground, too.
The Miners following game was Friday against regional opponent Cottonwood. Warner looked to be close to full health after the ankle injury earlier that week.
“He’s definitely great,” said Miners head coach Josh Montzingo on his star Warner. “Since he was a sophomore, he’s been contributing to the varsity team, which is not easy to do.
“That’s God-given talent that he has, that we’re blessed that he’s able to utilize and show out on that field, but also it’s a testament to his work ethic.”
Warner was present for many grueling summer workouts with the team, which were technically optional. Montzingo says he doesn’t rely on his talent and works hard, serving as a role model for his teammates.
Montzingo believes Warner’s best attribute is his field vision, something Warner says comes naturally to him. The ninth-year head coach saw crucial development when Warner saw increased minutes last season due to then-starter Will McCurdy injuring himself, now playing D1 football at Davidson University in North Carolina.
“Shoot, the sky’s the limit,” added Montzingo on Warner’s production the rest of the season. “Who knows what he’s going to do from here on out? Sometimes we’re not sure. Sometimes I’m not sure he’s sure.
“He can definitely play at the next level. The God-given ability that he has — the speed, quickness, agility and vision — that’s stuff that somebody’s going to want somewhere.”
Including Cottonwood, the Miners had four more regular–season games. The team is fighting for a repeat regional title and their first state title. Park City fell in the state semifinals at Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium last fall.
Warner isn’t shying away from the role he’ll play in helping his team try to get to the mountaintop, especially after only playing in chunks last season. Warner also credited his offensive line for his success, talking about how they’re improving week-to-week.
“Hopefully we go a long way in the postseason,” said Warner. “That helps me get a lot more touchdowns. There’s not a specific (individual) goal, but just to keep doing what I can in order to keep getting more (touchdowns).”
Warner thinks he can take another sizable leap with his game between junior to senior year as well. He knows that starts in the offseason, when he and Bodily are also track stars at the school in the spring. Warner wants to follow in McCurdy’s footsteps and play D1 ball somewhere where he can also receive a good education.
“I definitely benefit from track,” added Warner. “I feel so much faster on the football field, and I think that just helps overall speed. I’d definitely say football is my favorite sport.”
Warner is ready to be fully healthy and chase all of his team’s goals in the coming weeks. After Cottonwood, the team has remaining games against Jordan, Tooele and Springville. The Springville game on the road Oct. 16 wraps up the regular season, and the playoff bracket will be revealed Oct. 19.
