Warren put together one of its most complete first-half performances of the season Friday night, October 30, using an aggressive defensive effort, an efficient passing attack and three rushing touchdowns from JaKobe Avery to defeat Watson Chapel 42-12 on the road.
The Lumberjacks built a commanding 35-6 halftime advantage before Hayden Hampton returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a touchdown, putting the game firmly out of reach.
The victory improved Warren to 5-4 overall and 4-2 in conference play.
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From the opening possession, Warren established control on both sides of the football.
The Lumberjack defense forced Watson Chapel into a quick three-and-out after the Wildcats received the opening kickoff. Jacob Marshall returned the ensuing punt to the Warren 45-yard line, giving the offense favorable field position for its first possession.
Quarterback Jackson Denton wasted little time getting the Lumberjacks moving. He connected with Zaydin Grider, making his return from injury, for a completion that carried Warren into Watson Chapel territory.
At the 9:22 mark of the opening quarter, Denton found Tayshawn Edwards on a corner route for a 27-yard touchdown. The extra point gave Warren a 7-0 lead.
Warren’s defense immediately went back to work, forcing another three-and-out and giving the offense possession at the Watson Chapel 42-yard line with 6:29 remaining in the quarter.
Less than a minute later, Denton connected with Grider on a post route for a 36-yard touchdown. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, but Warren had extended its lead to 13-0.
For Grider, the touchdown highlighted a productive return to the field, providing Warren with another weapon in its passing game.
The Wildcats continued to struggle to establish an offensive rhythm against a Warren defense that consistently put the home team behind schedule. Another defensive stop gave the Lumberjacks possession at their own 14-yard line with 4:18 remaining in the first quarter.
That possession carried into the second period, when Warren turned to its ground game.
With 10:47 remaining before halftime, Avery powered into the end zone from two yards out. A successful two-point conversion pushed the Lumberjack advantage to 21-0.
Warren continued to capitalize on opportunities. A mishandled high snap by Watson Chapel was recovered by the Lumberjacks with 9:19 remaining in the second quarter, adding to the Wildcats’ difficulties.
Avery struck again with 6:16 on the clock, breaking loose for a 20-yard touchdown run.The Lumberjack running back wasn’t finished.
With 2:34 remaining before halftime, Avery scored his third touchdown of the night on a seven-yard run. Another successful kick from Pahuamba stretched Warren’s lead to 35-0.
Watson Chapel finally broke through with 1:55 remaining in the half, connecting on a 40-yard touchdown pass. The Wildcats failed on the two-point conversion, leaving Warren comfortably ahead 35-6 at the break.
The Lumberjacks needed only one play to deliver another decisive blow when the second half began.
Hampton fielded the opening kickoff of the third quarter, made a man miss, and sprinted down the left sideline for a touchdown, giving Warren its sixth touchdown of the night. Pahuamba added the extra point, extending the lead to 42-6 and bringing the mercy-rule running clock into effect.
Watson Chapel responded with another touchdown at the 9:16 mark of the third quarter, although its second two-point conversion attempt was also unsuccessful.
The Wildcats later blocked a Warren field-goal attempt toward the end of the quarter, but neither team added another score.
With the clock running continuously under the mercy rule, the fourth quarter passed quickly, and Warren closed out the 42-12 victory.
Avery’s three rushing touchdowns led an offensive performance that featured contributions from multiple playmakers. Denton threw two first-quarter touchdown passes, while Edwards and Grider each found the end zone through the air.
Hampton’s kickoff return added a special-teams highlight to a night in which Warren found success in all three phases of the game.
Just as important was the early work of the Lumberjack defense. By forcing consecutive three-and-outs to open the contest and repeatedly giving the offense opportunities to work with favorable field position, Warren established a lead that Watson Chapel never seriously threatened.
The victory gives the Lumberjacks momentum heading into the final game of the regular season, with Warren now sitting at 4-2 in conference competition.
They will host Crossett next Thursday at Jim Hurley, Jr. Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7pm.
