DeWitt, Ark. – The Warren Lumberjacks opened their 8-4A Conference schedule with a hard-fought 36-22 win over the DeWitt Dragons in a week four matchup, battling through the rain and remnants of Hurricane Helene Friday night, September 27.
Warren took an early lead thanks to a DeWitt miscue on a bad snap, resulting in a safety just over two minutes into the game. On the ensuing drive, Warren’s Antonio(AJ) Jordan powered in for a 15-yard touchdown run at the 8:11 mark in the first quarter, pushing the lead to 8-0 after a failed two-point conversion.
DeWitt’s offense threatened late in the first quarter, driving deep into Warren territory, but the Lumberjacks’ defense stood tall, forcing a turnover on downs. Warren’s offense struggled to gain momentum, and the teams traded punts for much of the first half.
In the second quarter, Aaron Davis sparked Warren’s offense with a 36-yard run, setting up Jordan’s second score on a 1-yard rush with 5:21 to go before the half. Despite another missed extra point, Warren took a 14-0 lead into halftime.
DeWitt came out strong in the second half, capitalizing on a 39-yard touchdown run to cut the lead to 14-7. Warren responded with a ground-heavy drive, capped by Jordan’s third touchdown of the night, a 3-yard run. The Lumberjacks extended their lead to 22-7 after Cam Burks connected with Neon’dre Thomas on the two-point conversion.
The Dragons refused to go away quietly. Justin Ross broke free for a 50-yard rushing touchdown late in the third, and after recovering an onside kick, DeWitt’s defense capitalized on a Warren fumble, scoring again to tie the game at 22-22.
Warren regained momentum immediately after the ensuing kickoff. Tramond Miller scooped up a muffed onside kick and raced untouched for a 50-yard touchdown, giving Warren a 28-22 lead with just seconds remaining in the third quarter. Just before the quarter ended, Cam Davis returned a fumble 30 yards for a score, and a successful two-point conversion extended the lead to 36-22.
DeWitt’s offense moved into Warren territory in the fourth quarter but was stymied by a fumble at the Lumberjacks’ 30-yard line. Warren’s Josiah Steen sealed the victory with a crucial interception at the 9-yard line with just over three minutes to play.
Warren, now 2-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play, will host Monticello in the Union Bank and Trust Saline River Shootout on Friday, October 4. DeWitt falls to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the conference and will travel to face undefeated Star City next week.
Warren Stats(provided by David King)
Rushing
- Aaron Davis: 22 carries for 119 yards
- Aj Jordan: 8 carries for 74 yards and 3 touchdowns
- Cam Burks: 5 carries for 30 yards
Defensive Stats
- Tramond Miller: 54-yard kickoff return for a touchdown
- Cam Davis: 41-yard fumble return for a touchdown
Warren Team Stats
- 233 yards rushing
- 29 yards passing
- 252 total yards
Full photo gallery from this game coming to the Saline River Sports facebook page Monday.
