The Warren Lumberjacks leaned on explosive plays from quarterback Jackson Denton, wideout Josiah Steen, and a stingy defense to notch a 28-14 victory over the White Hall Bulldogs on Friday night at Bulldog Stadium.
The tone was set early by the Warren defense. After the Lumberjacks crossed midfield on their opening drive, White Hall’s Tyrus Greene intercepted Denton and returned it deep into Warren territory. The Bulldogs marched inside the 10-yard line, but the Jacks’ special teams delivered the first big momentum swing, blocking Zane Davis’ short field-goal attempt.
Warren capitalized immediately. Just two plays later, Denton connected with Steen on an 86-yard strike down the sideline. Brandon Marquez’s extra point made it 7-0 midway through the opening quarter.
After forcing a turnover on downs late in the first, Warren extended its lead early in the second quarter. Running back Aaron Davis capped a steady drive with a 5-yard touchdown run, giving the Lumberjacks a 14-0 advantage.
The Warren defense continued to frustrate White Hall quarterback Wyatt Golden, turning the Bulldogs over twice on downs in the second quarter. Denton and Steen teamed up for another big play in the closing minutes of the half, setting up Davis’ second rushing touchdown of the night. The Jacks carried a 21-0 lead into halftime.
White Hall showed signs of life in the third quarter. After Zechariah Bush picked off Golden and returned it for a touchdown to make it 28-0, the Bulldogs rallied with back-to-back scoring drives. Golden found Kel McEntire for a 21-yard touchdown strike, then later hit Tyler Blankenship on a fourth-down throw to trim the deficit to 28-14 heading into the final frame.
But Warren’s defense had the final say. Interceptions by Steen and Tyree Hampton in the fourth quarter killed White Hall’s momentum. Defensive standout Braxton Hembree made key stops throughout the night, anchoring a unit that forced five turnovers and consistently stifled the Bulldogs’ run game.
Steen finished with a monster performance, hauling in multiple chunk plays, breaking tackles after the catch, and adding an interception on defense. Davis carried the load on the ground with two touchdowns, while Denton overcame an early interception to deliver several explosive passes.
With the win, Warren (1-1) continues its strong start to the season. The Lumberjacks will return home next Friday to host Watson Chapel at Jim Hurley Jr. Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
White Hall (0-2) will look to rebound next week as they try to get their first win of the season.
