WARREN, Ark. — After a season filled with injuries, adjustments, and opportunities for young players to gain experience, the Warren Lumberjacks will take the field Thursday night with something they haven’t enjoyed for much of the 2026 campaign: a healthy roster.
Warren will host the Crossett Eagles at Jim Hurley Jr. Stadium in the regular-season finale, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. The contest carries significant playoff implications for both teams, but for Head Coach Bo Hembree, it also represents an opportunity to see what his Lumberjacks can accomplish with their experienced players finally back together.
“We’re fully healthy for the first time,” Hembree said during his weekly interview with Saline River News.
The Lumberjacks enter the contest following a 42-12 victory over Watson Chapel, a game that saw Warren race to a 35-6 halftime advantage behind an efficient offensive attack and an aggressive defensive effort.
Hembree was particularly pleased with the team’s execution during the opening half, describing it as one of Warren’s better stretches of football this season.
The performance provided an encouraging sign for a team that has spent much of the fall navigating injuries, particularly at the wide receiver position.
Senior receiver Zaydin Grider returned to action against Watson Chapel after missing the season’s previous games. His presence immediately helped Warren’s passing attack, although Hembree limited him to the opening quarter.
With additional experienced receivers expected back against Crossett, Warren will have more offensive options available. Hembree explained that the returning veterans bring a familiarity with the offense developed through years of working together, allowing the Lumberjacks to execute plays that have been difficult to incorporate with younger personnel.
Their return has also provided an emotional lift.
“The morale’s been better,” Hembree said.
Still, the Warren coach acknowledged that having his players available again does not necessarily mean they are fully prepared for the physical demands of an entire football game.
“Now, are we in shape with them? I don’t know. We’ll see,” Hembree said.
That question could become important Thursday night as Warren faces a Crossett team with plenty of motivation of its own.
According to Hembree, the Eagles must win to qualify for the postseason, while Warren needs an 11-point victory to secure the No. 3 seed and a home playoff game.
Crossett also presents a challenge with quarterback Cash Forrest, whose mobility and ability to extend plays will test the Lumberjack defense.
For Warren, the contest offers an opportunity to build on last week’s success while continuing to develop consistency on both sides of the football.
The Lumberjacks have experienced their share of difficult moments this season, but the return of key players, combined with the valuable playing time gained by younger contributors, gives Warren some additional options entering the postseason.
Hembree made clear during his interview that he is looking forward to seeing his team back together.
“I’m excited about it,” Hembree said.
With the regular season drawing to a close, the Lumberjacks will have one final opportunity Thursday night to establish momentum before turning their attention to playoff football.
Warren and Crossett kick off at 7 p.m. Thursday at Jim Hurley Jr. Stadium in Warren.
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