In a gridiron clash that will be remembered for its twists and turns, the Warren Lumberjacks secured an undefeated regular season with a resounding 42-28 victory over the Hamburg Lions. The game, played under the cool Thursday night lights in Hamburg, showcased high-stakes football with both teams giving their all.
Warren entered the game with an impressive 9-0 record, having already clinched the conference championship, while Hamburg, with a 3-6 record, aimed to play spoiler on their home turf.
The Lions set the tone early, opting for an onside kick on the opening kickoff. Successfully recovering at the Warren 44-yard line, Hamburg was met with an immediate setback as Antonio Jordan made a pivotal tackle, pushing them back by 4 yards. Undeterred, Hamburg orchestrated a 44-yard drive culminating in QB Willis Robinson's 4-yard touchdown run at the 8:07 mark of the first quarter. The extra point was good, putting Hamburg ahead 7-0.
Undoubtedly, the first quarter was eventful. Hamburg attempted another onside kick, but this time Warren recovered at their 48-yard line. The game continued its seesaw nature as Warren QB, Jackson Denton threw an ill-timed interception to Hamburg DB, Payton Sellers. Sellers returned the interception 50 yards for a touchdown, giving the Lions a 14-0 lead with 7:06 left in the first quarter.
Following another Hamburg onside kick attempt, the Lumberjacks recovered the ball near midfield and started what they hoped was a quick touchdown drive. Hamburg was immediately called for a pass interference penalty which put the Jacks in striking distance. With 6:01 left in the quarter, Denton was picked off in the end zone, stopping what was a hopeful drive for the Jacks.
The Lumberjack defense held strong, forcing the Lions to punt with 4:30 left in the quarter. Warren tailback, Jordyn Ingram got the ensuing drive off to a great start with an energizing 33 yard run with 3:35 remaining in the quarter.
Despite Hamburg’s efforts, the Lumberjacks got on the board as Denton orchestrated a masterful drive, and found Antonio Jordan for a 29-yard touchdown pass, making it 14-7 with 3:11 remaining in the first quarter. The intensity reached a new level as the Lions and Lumberjacks battled for control.
Hamburg took over on their 20 yard line. Things looked to be turning around for Warren as the defense made two big stops followed by an amazing interception by Cam Burkes. Burkes snatched Robinson’s pass out of the air and returned it for what appeared to be a game tying touchdown. However, the score was taken off the board due to a Lumberjack penalty.
The second quarter opened with Denton connecting on a 12-yard pass, setting up Tremond Miller's untouched touchdown run, tying the game at 14.
The Lumberjack excitement continued with Cody Weatherspoon intercepting a Lion pass with 9:01 left in the half.
Following Weatherspoon’s interception, the Jacks found themselves with excellent field position. With 7:24 left In the half, Ingram scampered inside the 5 yard line, setting up a first and goal for the Jacks. On the very next play, Ingram took the handoff and pounded his way into the end zone for the score. After Jaurez’s extra point the Lumberjacks had scored 21 unanswered points to take the lead.
The game would go back and forth for the rest of the second quarter. The Lumberjack defense, led by JD Tillman and Neeyo Hardting, held Hamburg on its next drive. Following a Lion punt, Warren returner Antonio Jordan made an amazing return down to the Hamburg 5 yard line, but a blocking penalty negated the play. The Jacks then drove into Lion territory, but the Hamburg defense held and with 3:21 left in the half, the Lions took over on downs.
The next two drives saw both teams hopes end with fumbles. Hamburg fumbled a few plays into their drive with Cody Weathespoon making the recovery for the Jacks. Soon after, with 1:54 remaining, Warren lost the ball and the Lions took over looking to tie the score as the clock winded down in the half.
On the first play following the Warren fumble, the young Hamburg QB connected with his receiver on a 57 yard bomb to tie the game. At the half, Warren and Hamburg were deadlocked at 21-21, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Hamburg received the kickoff and returned it an impressive 89 yards, placing them in a 1st and goal situation. A rushing touchdown by Robinson put the Lions ahead 28-21 with 11:41 left in the third quarter.
However, Warren responded swiftly, tying the game at 28 with a long touchdown pass from Denton to Antonio Jordan at the 10:30 mark.
On the ensuing Lion drive, The Lumberjack defense, led by Harding, made crucial plays, including a key interception by Cam Burkes, his second pick off the night.
The third quarter concluded with Warren taking over the game. With 5:13 left in the quarter, Warren RB Trey Jackson got things started with an impressive 20 yard run putting Warren in striking distance. On third and six from the Hamburg 17, Antonio Jordan took the handoff and sprinted 17 yards for his fourth touchdown of the evening, giving the Jacks a 35-28 lead. The Lions would take over and their next drive saw the Lumberjack defense showcase its dominance with a sack by Harding, setting up a fourth and 22 for Hamburg.
The fourth quarter unfolded with Hamburg pinning Warren deep in their own territory. Despite challenges, Warren's offense made crucial first downs, and Treylon Jackson's long run virtually sealed the victory with 2:44 left. On the next play, Antonio Jordan scored his fifth touchdown, securing a 42-28 lead with 2:37 remaining.
The Lumberjack offense was led by Ingram’s 115 rushing yards on 18 carries; Antonio Jordan’s 5 rushes for 56 yards and 3 Touchdowns, Denton’s 117 passing yards with 2 Touchdowns. Antonio Jordan led the receiving core with 5 catches, 109 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Jordan’s performance reminded fans of Lumberjack standout Treylon Burkes as he dominated the game as a running back, a receiver, and kick returner.
In the end, the Lumberjack defense proved resilient when it mattered most, and Antonio Jordan's remarkable performance propelled Warren to an undefeated season. The Lumberjacks will now embark on their playoff journey, starting with a first-round home game against Truman next Friday at Jim Hurley Stadium. The road to War Memorial Stadium beckons, and Warren is poised for postseason glory after a spectacular regular season.
