WARREN, Ark. – Warren’s postseason run gained even more momentum Friday night as the Lumberjacks delivered one of their most resilient performances of the season, outlasting Prairie Grove 47–40 in a 4A quarterfinal classic at Jim Hurley, Jr. Stadium. With the win, Warren moves to 10–3 and punches its ticket to the state semifinals, where they will travel to Dardanelle next week with a championship berth on the line.
This game report is brought to you by
First Quarter Chaos Sets the Stage
Warren set an aggressive tone early, winning the toss and electing to receive. The Jacks pounced on an onside attempt near midfield but were stopped on downs at the Prairie Grove 30. The Tigers responded first, finding the end zone on a 7-yard rush with 7:33 left in the quarter before tacking on a successful two-point conversion for an 8–0 lead.
Prairie Grove tried a second onside kick, and Warren again recovered, but the Jacks went three-and-out and punted. The defense answered with a stop of their own—highlighted by a strong third-down tackle from Aaron Woodard.
Warren’s offense struck next. With 1:48 remaining in the first quarter, quarterback Jackson Denton found Josiah Steen in the left flats for a 19-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion failed, trimming Prairie Grove’s lead to 8–6.
Late-Half Surge Gives Warren the Lead
Prairie Grove extended its advantage at the 5:02 mark of the second quarter with an 11-yard rushing score and a successful extra point to make it 15–6.
Denton and the Lumberjack offense answered swiftly. Warren marched 70 yards, fueled by key completions to Bleyze Fellows, before Aaron Davis powered in a 2-yard touchdown run at 3:52. Jacarlos Marquez’s extra point pulled Warren within 15–13.
The game shifted again in the final minute of the half. With :43 remaining, De’Sean Adams intercepted a Prairie Grove pass at the Tiger 42. Denton capitalized quickly, connecting with Steen for a 16-yard touchdown with :22 on the clock. The conversion attempt failed, but Warren carried a 19–15 lead into halftime.
A Back-and-Forth Third Quarter
Prairie Grove opened the second half with a long burst down to the Warren 12, finishing the possession with a 4-yard rushing touchdown at 9:54. A successful two-point try put the Tigers ahead 23–19.
But Warren responded in emphatic fashion. Just 58 seconds later, Denton launched a 48-yard strike down the right sideline to Fellows. Marquez knocked through the PAT, putting Warren back in front 26–23.
Prairie Grove’s next possession drained more than seven minutes off the clock and carried into the fourth quarter.
An Epic Fourth Quarter Unfolds
The Tigers’ long drive stalled at the Warren 9, resulting in a 25-yard field goal at 10:37 that tied the game at 26–26.
Warren answered with pace. Davis capped a fast march with a 15-yard touchdown run at 9:43, and Marquez’s extra point pushed the Jacks ahead 33–26.
Prairie Grove refused to fold. With 6:42 remaining, on a third-and-five deep in Warren territory, the Tigers hit an 8-yard touchdown pass and tied the game again, 33–33, after the PAT.
But Davis wasn’t done. At 5:34, he hammered in his third touchdown of the night on a 2-yard run. A mishandled PAT attempt kept the score at 39–33.
The Tigers executed another clutch moment at 2:19, converting on fourth-and-goal from the Warren 2 for a touchdown. The extra point gave Prairie Grove a narrow 40–39 lead.
Warren’s Season-Defining Drive
Fellows delivered the spark Warren desperately needed, returning the ensuing kickoff to the Prairie Grove 35. From there, Denton directed a poised, confident drive. With 1:17 left, he found Tayshawn Edwards for a 9-yard touchdown strike. Steen powered in the two-point conversion, giving Warren a 47–40 advantage.
Prairie Grove had one last possession to keep its season alive, but Warren slammed the door. Colton Steen intercepted a pass on the Tigers’ final drive, securing the Lumberjacks’ semifinal berth.
Next Week: A Trip to Dardanelle
With the win, Warren advances to the 4A State Semifinals and will face Dardanelle on the road next Friday. After back-to-back playoff shootouts against Gosnell and Prairie Grove, the Lumberjacks arrive in the final four battle-tested and surging at the perfect time.
Editor’s Note:
Saline River News is committed to providing equal, in-depth coverage of all Warren Lumberjack and Lady Jack athletics throughout the year. That continued coverage is made possible through the support of our community sponsors. If you or your business is interested in sponsoring our basketball coverage, please contact us at salinerivernews@gmail.com.
