WARREN, Ark. – The lights are finally coming on for real this Friday night, as the Warren Lumberjacks open their 2025 season at home against a top-10 Greenbrier squad.
For a team that graduated nine offensive starters from last year’s quarterfinal run, Warren impressed in its lone preseason outing against McGehee. The Jacks didn’t look like a group still finding itself—they looked fast. “We’re young,” Head Coach Bo Hembree said this week on The Bo Show, sponsored by Johnny’s Radiator Shop. “But it’s been a fun group to coach. Our kids come to work every day.”
Denton’s Return
The biggest story on offense is the return of junior quarterback Jackson Denton. After a major leg injury sidelined him last fall, Denton showed poise in the McGehee scrimmage. Hembree praised his work ethic: “Nobody works harder than Jackson. Every day has been a grind for him, mentally and physically. He’ll improve still. I’m excited for him…he’s going to have a great year.”
Seeing Denton back under center brought a wave of confidence to the rest of the roster. His recovery isn’t just about a single position — it’s about leadership, resilience, and the kind of mentality Warren teams have long been known for. A quarterback who has already fought through adversity can steady a huddle in tight games, and that’s something the Lumberjacks will need as the season grinds forward.
Receivers Finding Their Edge
Denton will be throwing to a wideout group Hembree called the most improved on the roster. “I honestly think that group improved more than any group over the summer,” he said. “We can be explosive at times. I think we are fast. Maybe a little bit faster than last year as far as being able to stretch the field.”
That group includes senior Bleyze Fellows and junior Josiah Steen, both of whom bring big-play potential. Steen, in particular, has the tools to cause problems for secondaries all year long, while Fellows has already proven he thrives under the spotlight. Pair them together, and Warren has the makings of an aerial attack that could open up the field for everyone else.
And when defenses do drop back to respect the pass, tailback Aaron Davis will be waiting. After racking up more than 1,200 yards last year, Davis is again poised to be the workhorse. His mix of speed and toughness ensures he’s not just a home-run threat — he’s a player who can control the pace of a game.
Defensive Edge
On defense, Hembree admitted his unit is ahead of the offense at this stage. Senior linebacker Louis Woods—an all-stater with more than 100 tackles last season—is the anchor. “Louis Woods is our leader,” Hembree said plainly. Up front, Braxton Hembree brings valuable experience to the defensive line, and the staff will lean on him to help guide younger players in the trenches.
What excites the head coach most is seeing seniors who’ve waited their turn finally get their shot. “This is what makes it fun to be a football coach,” he said. “There’s a bunch of these guys that are seniors…that have waited their time…and been backups, and now they’re starting as seniors…man, that excites me, I’m excited for them.”
That type of storyline is part of what defines high school football — players developing in the background for years before stepping into their moment. For Warren, that depth of tradition helps keep the program competitive season after season.
The Greenbrier Challenge
Greenbrier, ranked in the top 10 of Class 5A by Hooten’s, is no easy season opener. The Panthers return quarterback Jack Palmer, who threw for nearly 1,500 yards last season, and all-state running back Enoch Assan, who scored 22 touchdowns in 2024.
“You know they have a great running back,” Hembree said of Assan. “I don’t know if we’ll see another tailback like this in conference play. He’s going to be tough to bring down. We have to do it (tackling) as a team.”
Greenbrier also brings depth at wide receiver, giving Palmer options in the passing game. Their balance on offense will challenge Warren to stay disciplined on both the front and back end of the defense. It’s a matchup that looks more like something you’d expect in October than Week 1 of the season.
A Test Worth Embracing
But while the challenge is steep, it’s also the perfect early measuring stick. Win or lose, the opener will reveal just how far this young team has come — and how much further it can go. Hembree summed up the energy around his roster with one simple line: “I think it’s going to be a fun season.”
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Jim Hurley, Jr. Stadium in Warren.
