BRUNSWICK – Brunswick football coach Dick Leavitt issued the challenge to fullback and defensive lineman Phillip Warren not long after he turned in his helmet and pads last fall.

For the Dragons to have a big year, Leavitt told Warren, he had to have a big season. That meant more than paying a few cursory visits to the gym. It demanded that Warren dedicate himself to cardiovascular and strength training.

Big is a relative term when it comes to football in Brunswick, where soccer was king even before it became a fashionable alternative at other area high schools. Warren accepted the advice, however, as if his future depended upon it.

“I took that as a big weight on my shoulders,” Warren said. “I went to a basketball camp with Ralph Mims and lost about 15 pounds in a week. I lifted weights. I went through all our football cardio workouts. And I played summer basketball.”

Warren evolved from a relatively round junior with unlimited potential to a solid, elite back and a Division I prospect.

Not coincidentally, Brunswick made a similar transformation. Ten straight wins after an opening-night loss brought the Dragons their first Eastern Class A championship and a date in Saturday’s state final against undefeated Deering.

Game time is 11 a.m. at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland.

After the state final is over, Warren, now 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, likely will take his football career to an Atlantic-10 institution.

New Hampshire has offered him a full scholarship. Maine, Massachusetts, William & Mary , Boston College and Savannah State also have expressed interest.

“Phillip’s speed for 240 pounds is exceptional,” Leavitt said. “I just got off the phone with the coach from Savannah State, and I told him I couldn’t tell him how fast Phillip is according to a clock. He’s just quick. He runs away from guys who are great athletes.”

Brunswick has joined several other Maine programs in a training regimen known nationally as the Bigger, Stronger, Faster program.

The name is an ode to “The Six Million Dollar Man,” and the focus on weight training that increases both strength and agility made Warren feel bionic.

“Speed equals power,” Warren said. “Last year, I had power without the speed. Now with increased speed, I have double the power.”

If Warren’s numbers are any indication, perhaps the increase is two-and-a-half times. After finishing his junior season with just over 700 yards, Warren has accumulated 1,778 this fall. His nearly 200 carries are a testament to his newfound endurance.

Warren’s talents are complemented by the presence of another Division I athlete, the quarterback Mims. Likely headed to Florida State, South Carolina or Providence on a basketball scholarship, Mims returned to the football team after sitting out his junior season.

Mims’ speed to the corners ensures that defense can’t load up in the middle and key on Warren.

“When he gets outside, he’s gone,” Warren said.

Opponents are learning the same thing about the big guy, who is as dangerous as a pass receiver and pass rusher as he is a ground-gainer.

“We saw the potential in Phil in spurts as a sophomore. We saw more spurts as a junior,” said Leavitt. “He made the commitment to get in great shape.”

Warren says that he and the Dragons are fueled by low expectations.

An underdog in at least half its victories this season, Brunswick will play that role against Deering one more time.

“I don’t think we could win if we were expected to,” said Warren. “A lot of people doubt us, and we like that. As a senior, it meant a lot to me to give people in this community a chance to watch some good football on Friday nights.”

The groundwork, of course, being built on Monday mornings in the fitness room.

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