In a football spectacle at Jim Hurley, Jr. Stadium, the Warren Lumberjacks asserted their dominance in the first round of the playoffs, trouncing the Trumann Wildcats with a resounding 42-12 victory. Head Coach Bo Hembree, a seasoned strategist with an impressive track record of 22 district championships and six undefeated regular seasons, guided his team through an exceptional performance that hinted at the team's postseason ambitions.
The opening moments were electrifying as Warren won the coin toss and opted to receive. Antonio Jordan's explosive 40-yard kickoff return set the stage for a meticulously executed drive. Quarterback Jackson Denton, displaying a level of poise beyond his freshman status, orchestrated a series of precise plays, culminating in a 10-yard touchdown run by Tremond Miller. Kicker Allen Juarez added the extra point, giving the Lumberjacks an early 7-0 lead with 9:51 left in the first quarter.
Trumann responded with determination, gaining crucial yards on a 41-yard run, but Warren's defense, anchored by stalwarts like JD Tillman and Cody Weatherspoon, halted their progress on a critical 4th down, reclaiming possession with 4:44 remaining in the quarter.
A highlight of the game occurred when Denton, on a 3rd and 5 situation, connected with Jordan for a remarkable 53-yard slant. This not only showcased Denton's prowess but also set a new Arkansas High School Football state record for passing yards in a season by a freshman.
However, Trumann momentarily interrupted Warren's momentum with an interception, taking over at the 15-yard line. Despite a spirited effort, they were forced to punt with 44 seconds left in the quarter.
The Wildcats' defense managed to force a punt from the Lumberjack territory as the second quarter commenced, gaining possession at their 24-yard line. Yet, Warren's defense, led by Bryson Harris, demonstrated resilience, forcing a 4th down after a sequence of well-executed plays.
The Lumberjacks, after an impressive return by Jordan, took over in Trumann territory. Despite facing a challenging 4th and 10, Warren couldn't convert, turning the ball over with 8:23 left in the first half.
The second quarter's turning point occurred when Denton, under pressure, found Neondre Thomas for a touchdown with 52 seconds remaining. Juarez's successful extra point extended Warren's lead to 14-0.
The wildcats would take over and presumably run out the clock, but soon found themselves in trouble. Warren stopped Trumann on 3 straight plays resulting in a fourth and long with only 27 seconds remaining in the half.
Following a short punt, Warren found themselves with the ball at midfield with only 18 seconds left to play. Not one to sit on a lead, Coach Hembree dialed up a pass play that saw Denton hook up with Thomas on a spectacular touchdown pass. Thomas would leap over two Trumann defenders to snatch the ball out of the air and scamper to the end zone for the final score of the half. As the time rolled off the clock in the first half, Warren found themselves with a 21-0 lead.
The third quarter unfolded with Warren's defensive line relentlessly pressuring Trumann's quarterback, Cade Ozment. Safety Cam Burkes made a pivotal play, knocking down an Ozment pass with 11:05 remaining. The Lumberjacks' defense, featuring standout performances from Jordyn Ingram and Neo Harding, sacked Ozment for a 10-yard loss, setting up a 3rd and 20 for the Wildcats with 10:15 left in the quarter.
Trumann, unable to overcome the Lumberjack defense, resorted to a punt, granting Warren excellent field position. With 10 minutes left in the quarter, Warren initiated a drive from their 45-yard line, culminating in Trey Jackson's powerful run for a touchdown. This extended the Lumberjacks' lead to 28-0 with 8:30 remaining.
The Wildcats struggled to find offensive traction, facing relentless resistance from JD Tillman and the Lumberjack defense. Trumann's third and long situation resulted in another punt with 7 minutes left in the quarter.
A peculiar bounce on the Wildcats' punt worked to Warren's advantage when Jordan scooped up the ball, embarking on a spectacular 55-yard return for another Warren score. Juarez's successful extra point brought the score to 35-0, activating the sportsmanship rule as the clock continued to run.
With a comfortable lead, Warren recovered a fumble on the kickoff with 5:08 left in the quarter. Burkes, now at quarterback, showcased his skills by finding Rivera for a substantial gain near the 10-yard line. With 3 minutes left, Burkes executed an 8-yard run for a touchdown, further solidifying Warren's lead at 42-0 after Mendoza's extra point.
As both teams emptied their benches and the clock continued to run, Trumann found the end zone in the fourth quarter, but it was insufficient to mount a comeback. The final score stood at 42-12 in favor of the Lumberjacks.
The Lumberjacks were led by their stingy defense on this night, giving up only 199 total yards to a Trumann team who was used to moving the ball effectively. The Jacks’ offense was led by Tailback Treylon Jackson who accounted for 84 yards on 10 carries with 1 Touchdown. Freshman sensation Jackson Denton lead the passing attack with 9 completions on 16 attempts for 186 yards and two scores. Antonio Jordan would catch 5 balls for 93 yards and Neondre Thomas would grab 3 receptions for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns.
While Warren started slowly, the team found their rhythm in the second and third quarters. The defense showcased it’s prowess, and the offense executed effectively. Looking ahead, the road to War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock promises more challenges as the Bauxite Miners visit Jim Hurley Stadium this Friday night at 7 p.m. for a second-round playoff matchup. The Lumberjacks will aim to maintain their momentum and advance further in their quest for postseason glory.
