The Warren Lumberjacks came out firing Friday night at Jim Hurley Jr. Stadium, but in the end, Greenbrier’s high-powered offense and the dominance of All-State running back Enoch Assan proved too much. Assan rushed for six touchdowns, leading the Panthers to a 57–32 victory in the season opener.
Warren struck first, receiving the opening kickoff and marching 70 yards downfield. Quarterback Jackson Denton connected with Josiah Steen on a 17-yard touchdown pass to cap the drive. The extra point missed, but the Lumberjacks jumped ahead 6–0 with 10:00 left in the first quarter.
After forcing a Greenbrier punt, Warren again pushed deep into Panther territory. Denton hit Tashawn Edwards and Aaron Davis for key gains, and with two minutes remaining in the first quarter, Denton found Steen again for a short touchdown. Another missed kick left the Lumberjacks up 12–0.
Greenbrier responded quickly. Quarterback Palmer found Assan on a screen pass, and the senior tailback raced for a long touchdown with just 17 seconds left in the opening quarter. Warren’s Davis answered immediately with a 78-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, giving Warren a 19–7 lead at the end of the first.
From there, Greenbrier’s offense took control. Assan ripped off multiple big runs, including touchdowns of 8, 10, and 30 yards, while Palmer spread the ball to receivers Mosley, Mahan, and Thompson. By halftime, Greenbrier had scored 29 unanswered points to take a commanding 36–19 lead.
The Panthers didn’t slow down in the second half. Palmer connected with Zach Evans and Lucas Thompson for key gains before Assan punched in another score from the goal line. Assan added two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter, his sixth of the night, sealing the 57–32 victory.
Despite the loss, Warren showed flashes of offensive firepower. Denton threw multiple long completions, including a 50-yard touchdown strike to Steen in the third quarter. Edwards added a touchdown reception late in the period, and Davis provided the highlight of the night with his electrifying kickoff return.
In the end, however, Greenbrier’s offensive balance and Assan’s relentless running proved too much.
Final Score: Greenbrier 57, Warren 32
Leaders:
Greenbrier: Enoch Assan – 6 TDs (rushing & receiving)
Warren: Jackson Denton (multiple passing TDs), Josiah Steen (2 TD receptions), Tashawn Edwards (1 TD reception), Aaron Davis (kickoff return TD)
Warren will look to regroup next week when they travel to face the White Hall Bulldogs. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
