On a brisk evening at Jim Hurley Jr. Stadium, the Warren Lumberjacks opened their season with a resounding 7–2 victory over Crossett in what was officially billed as a non-conference match—despite the two teams usually meeting in league play. This triumph also marked the first game in charge for Warren’s new head coach, Jacob Hernandez, who is now overseeing both the men’s and women’s programs after leading the Lady Jacks last season.
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The Lumberjacks wasted little time, pressing forward from the opening whistle. In just the 6th minute, Crossett struggled to clear a dangerous ball, and forward Alexander Bartolo capitalized by burying a low shot into the bottom corner for the first goal of the Hernandez era. Warren doubled their lead soon after through lethal finisher Cristobal Guerrero, who looked sharp and energetic throughout the match.
The goals kept coming in the 31st minute when Guerrero again found the net, this time off a superb cross delivered by Jacarlos Marquez. Marquez, who ended the night with three assists, was a constant creative spark on the right flank. Just four minutes later, midfielder Daniel Castillo hammered home a shot off the far post from a tight angle, pushing the halftime score to 4–0.
Warren didn’t take their foot off the gas after the break. Marquez nabbed a goal of his own in the 43rd minute, displaying the same pace and skill he had used to set up others. Three minutes later, Guerrero found his third of the night, triggering the mercy rule with a 6–0 advantage.
With eight minutes to go Rodrigo Calovaro notched Warren’s seventh. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Crossett managed to salvage some pride with two late consolation goals to make the final 7–2.
It was a decisive and memorable start to Coach Hernandez’s tenure with the men’s squad. With the combination of a free-scoring offense, a creative midfield masterclass from Marquez, and a deep bench, the Warren Lumberjacks served notice to upcoming opponents that they will be a force to contend with this season. Warren is now 1-0 on the season.
