BRIDGEPORT - The Bridgeport football community is mourning the loss of their starting tight end and strong side safety, Josh Warren.

Hours after the Bulldogs' Homecoming game vs. North Platte St. Patrick's on Friday night, Warren, 17, was driving a sedan eastbound on Highway 26 when it crossed the center line and collided with a westbound semi-tractor-trailer near mile marker 52 around 4:45 a.m. Saturday. Warren was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

“He was an amazing young man who had the best worry-free attitude," Head Coach Jeremy Reimers told News Channel Nebraska. "He was always in a good mood no matter what the circumstances. He had such a fun personality. He would be cracking jokes in the huddle and then turn around seconds later and make a big time play. It’s rare to see that type of focus and confidence in a kid."

The driver of the semi, Gary Gooder, 47, of Bridgeport, was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

Warren, a 6'2" 180 pound senior, was leading Bridgeport (4-1) in tackling this season. Through five games, he had 40 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and an interception.

"He had such a quiet confidence about him that made him such an outstanding player on the field, and even better teammate off the field," Reimers said. "He just did his job and did it well, and expected nothing less from everybody around him. There aren’t enough words. He will be greatly missed as a player, teammate, and phenomenal young man. My heart goes out to him and his family. Nothing but love for #29.”

Warren caught three passes for 32 yards in Friday's loss to the Irish. He also had a team leading 11 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and a sack.

He also qualified for the state wrestling tournament last February, just missing out on a medal.

A candelight vigil will be held Sunday night in the Bridgeport park.