WARREN, Ark. – At home at Jim Hurley, Jr. Stadium in Warren for the second week in a row, the Warren Lumberjacks played host to the McGehee Owls Friday night, September 22, 2023. The Lumberjacks, entering the game undefeated with a perfect 3-0 record, were on a mission to maintain their unblemished status and move to 2-0 in 8-4A Conference Play. The Owls, with a 2-1 record, were looking to hand Warren their first loss of the season.
Top photo: Antonio Jordan(2) races around the edge during the first half of Warren’s game vs. McGehee Friday night.
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First Quarter: A Fast Start
The game kicked off with a bang as Alann Juarez sent the opening kickoff two yards deep into the end zone. Juarez’s kickoffs have become a strength of this Warren Lumberjack team so far this season, pinning opponents deep and preventing any chance of a return.
McGehee was met with fierce resistance from the Lumberjack defense on their opening drive. JD Tillman made an excellent stop in the backfield on 2nd down, forcing the Owls into a punting situation just 2 minutes and 22 seconds into the game.
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Warren’s first drive began from the Owl’s 34-yard line. After a couple of early incompletions, the Lumberjacks found their rhythm. With 9 minutes and 45 seconds left in the quarter, freshman quarterback Jackson Denton connected with junior receiver Kam Davis on a screen pass into the right flats. Davis broke free downfield for a 34-yard touchdown. Davis showcased his blazing speed, making it evident why he’s considered one of the fastest players in the 8-4A Conference. Alann Juarez’s extra point kick was good, giving Warren an early 7-0 lead.
The Owls started their next drive from their own 20-yard line but struggled to gain momentum against the Lumberjacks’ stout defense. A punt marked the end of their offensive series.
With excellent field position at the Owl’s 45-yard line, Warren wasted no time. Jackson Denton orchestrated a masterful drive that culminated in a 29-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Jordan on a well-executed screen play, very similar to Davis’s during the previous drive. Warren’s dedication to perfecting their screen game paid off handsomely. Juarez’s extra point was once again true, extending Warren’s lead to 14-0.
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McGehee’s offensive struggles continued as they failed to gain traction and punted once more.
With just over 6 minutes remaining in the quarter, Warren began a drive near midfield. Denton continued to showcase his precision passing, connecting with Neon’dre Thomas to advance to the McGehee 6-yard line. Kam Davis finished the drive with a 6-yard rushing touchdown, although the point-after kick was blocked. Warren maintained control with a 20-0 lead.
Second Quarter: Back-and-Forth Action
The second quarter saw both teams having their moments but struggling to maintain consistency.
McGehee missed a 29-yard field goal attempt on their opening drive of the quarter.
Warren was forced to punt on their next possession. The Owls got on the board shortly after, executing a 65-yard touchdown pass with 9:31 left before the midway point. The ensuing two-point conversion was successful, narrowing the score to a 20-8 Warren advantage.
Warren responded swiftly after an onside kick recovery, putting them in excellent field position. Jackson Denton seized the moment and delivered a 39-yard bomb to Kam Davis, who left the McGehee defense in his dust. Jordyn Ingram powered in for the two-point conversion, pushing Warren’s lead to 28-8.
As the halftime whistle blew, Warren held a commanding 28-8 advantage.
Third Quarter: Warren’s Dominance Continues
The third quarter continued to be dominated by the Lumberjacks.
McGehee opted for a squib kick to start the second half, but Warren quickly advanced into Owl territory. Denton connected with Tramond Miller for an impressive catch over the middle on third down. That set up a 22-yard completion to Thomas on the following play. Just over a minute into the third quarter, Miller scored on an 11-yard speed sweep off a shovel pass to the right. Juarez’s point-after kick was good, extending Warren’s lead to 35-8.
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McGehee showed signs of life with a big run and a long pass that took them to the Warren 12-yard line on the ensuing drive. With 7 minutes and 55 seconds left in the quarter, the Owls connected on a touchdown pass, surprising Warren’s defense with a throw back across the field. However, the two-point conversion attempt failed, making the score 35-12 in favor of Warren.
Warren wasn’t content to rest on their laurels. A swift drive saw Denton complete a 34-yard pass to Antonio Jordan, setting up a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Ervin Rivera. Juarez’s extra point was successful, extending the lead to 42-14 with 6 minutes and 40 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
The Warren defense stepped up, forcing a fumble recovery by Lumberjack defensive lineman Terence Roberson. However, Warren was unable to capitalize and was forced to punt.
The Lumberjack defense once again made a crucial stop, providing the offense with another opportunity to extend their lead.
With just under 2 minutes remaining in the third quarter, Denton delivered a 15-yard touchdown pass to Thomas. The point-after attempt was unsuccessful, but Warren still held a commanding 48-14 lead.
Fourth Quarter: A Commanding Finish
As the fourth quarter began, Warren’s backups took the field, providing valuable playing time for the team’s depth.
Backup quarterback Cam Burks entered the game and wasted no time making an impact. He connected with Antonio Jordan for an 18-yard touchdown pass, further increasing Warren’s lead to 55-14 with 9 minutes and 56 seconds left on the clock. Kolby Pope also saw a few reps at quarterback.
With a 55-14 lead, the Lumberjacks’ second-team defense continued to stifle the Owls.
As the final whistle blew, Warren emerged as the dominant force in the contest, securing a resounding 55-14 victory.
Final Stats: Warren’s Dominance on Display
Stats provided by Saline River Chronicle Sports Contributor David King.
In a game that showcased Warren’s offensive prowess, the statistics reflected their control of the contest:
Rushing:
- Jordyn Ingram: 12 carries, 58 yards
- Ervin Rivera: 7 carries, 35 yards, 1 touchdown
- Kam Davis: 1 carry, 6 yards, 1 touchdown
Passing:
- Jackson Denton: 15 of 27, 288 yards, 5 touchdowns
- Cam Burks: 1 of 1, 18 yards, 1 touchdown
Receiving:
- Neon’dre Thomas: 6 receptions, 79 yards, 1 touchdown
- Antonio Jordan: 5 catches, 77 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Kam Davis: 5 receptions, 66 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Tramond Miller: 3 receptions, 56 yards, 1 touchdown
Team Stats:
- Rushing: 189 yards
- Passing: 305 yards
- Total Offense: 494 yards
Warren’s dominant performance on both sides of the ball left no doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with in the 8-4A Conference. The orange and black move to 4-0 on the year and 2-0 in the 8-4A. They hit the road next week to take on the Crossett Eagles. That game is set for Friday, September 29, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
