The Warren Lumberjacks found themselves in an early hole Friday night and never quite managed to climb out, falling to Fountain Lake 50-15 in their second non-conference game of the season.
Fountain Lake wasted little time taking control, scoring on an 84-yard pass on its first play from scrimmage to take a 7-0 lead just 16 seconds into the game.
The Lumberjacks had opportunities to answer, but several promising drives ended without points. Warren moved inside the Fountain Lake 30-yard line twice during the first quarter, but penalties and a missed field-goal attempt kept the Lumberjacks off the scoreboard.
Fountain Lake added a short rushing touchdown later in the opening quarter to take a 14-0 advantage.
Warren continued to battle throughout the first half, with quarterback Jackson Denton connecting with Ty Hembree on several key completions. One deep connection moved the Lumberjacks to the Fountain Lake 15-yard line, but Warren was unable to finish the drive.
The Lumberjack defense also had its moments. Jaxstyn Ingram recorded a sack late in the first quarter, while Chris Alford Jr. broke up a pass on the following play.
Warren forced its first turnover of the night early in the second quarter when the Lumberjacks recovered a Fountain Lake fumble near the Warren 17.
The offense was unable to capitalize, and a troublesome punt snap gave the Cobras possession at the Warren 44. Fountain Lake turned the short field into another touchdown, scoring on a fourth-down quarterback draw to make it 21-0 with 1:52 left in the half.
Warren appeared to be in danger of giving up another score before halftime after a fumble on its next possession gave Fountain Lake another opportunity.
The Lumberjacks’ defense came through, stopping the Cobras on fourth down at the Warren 14 with only 10 seconds remaining.
The second half, however, opened with a glimpse of what Warren’s offense could do.
JaKoby Avery broke through the Fountain Lake defense and raced 38 yards for a touchdown with 10:51 remaining in the third quarter. Emanuel Pahuamba added the extra point, cutting the deficit to 21-7.
Fountain Lake answered with a 49-yard touchdown run less than two minutes later.
Avery continued to give the Lumberjacks a spark on the ground, helping Warren move back into Fountain Lake territory. The drive eventually stalled at the Cobras’ 29-yard line.
Fountain Lake responded with another big play, turning a screen pass into a 58-yard touchdown. A successful two-point conversion pushed the lead to 35-7.
Warren answered again before the end of the quarter.
Avery found the end zone for the second time on an 8-yard run with 41 seconds remaining. Denton then connected with Hayden Hampton on the two-point conversion to cut the lead to 35-15.
The Lumberjacks tried to steal back possession with an onside kick, but the ball went out of bounds.
Fountain Lake put the game away in the fourth quarter, scoring on an 11-yard quarterback scramble before adding another touchdown less than a minute later on an interception return.
The Cobras’ final score, along with a successful two-point conversion, made it 50-15 with 8:56 remaining.
Warren had one final chance to add to its total, but a late field-goal attempt was unsuccessful.
The final score was lopsided, but the Lumberjacks showed enough during the night to give the team positives to build on. Warren moved the football effectively at times, Avery provided a strong rushing attack in the second half, and the defense made several important stops.
The Lumberjacks also had to adjust offensively after injuries sidelined two of their top receivers.
Warren falls to 1-1 with the loss and will finally return home next week.
The Lumberjacks will host Sheridan at Jim Hurley Jr. Stadium on Friday, Sept. 11, in Warren’s 2026 home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
