In a highly anticipated matchup between two of the top-ranked teams in the state, the No. 1 Elkins Elks capitalized on a flurry of turnovers to dominate the No. 2 Warren Lumberjacks 49-14, advancing their unbeaten record and solidifying their spot at the top of Arkansas high school football.
On Warren’s first possession, quarterback Cam Burks completed a 35-yard pass, setting up the ‘Jacks for an early score. Moments later, Tremon Miller broke free on a 53-yard sweep for a touchdown, putting Warren ahead 7-0 just 49 seconds into the game.
Elkins then took possession and was forced to punt after a crucial sack from Lumberjack standout Antonio Jordan. The momentum would be short lived. On the ensuing play, Burks’ pass was tipped and picked off by an Elkins defender for a pick-six, cutting the Warren lead to 7-6.
The turnovers kept coming. After Warren regained possession following a defensive stand by the ‘Jacks, Burks fumbled the ball, and Elkins once again capitalized with a scoop-and-score, putting the Elks up 13-7 midway through the first quarter.
Despite flashes of promise, Warren’s offense struggled to maintain momentum, falling short on multiple key downs and turning the ball over on downs deep in Elkins territory. Elkins, meanwhile, began to roll offensively. Jaquae Walden found seams in the Warren defense, setting up Elkins for a field goal and expanding their lead to 16-7 with 3:20 left in the first quarter.
Elkins never let up, adding a 26-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter to extend their lead to 23-7. Warren attempted to respond, moving the ball into Elkins territory before being intercepted in the red zone. Elkins then took advantage of another Warren turnover, with Walden breaking loose for a 60-yard run to set up a field goal that gave the Elks a 26-7 halftime lead.
The second half was no different, as Elkins came out firing. Walden continued to gash the Warren defense, helping Elkins march downfield for another touchdown. After a successful two-point conversion, Elkins led 34-7 with 7:22 left in the third quarter.
Warren’s struggles worsened when Burks threw another pick-six on the next possession, putting Elkins up 42-7. While Warren found the end zone late in the third quarter on a 1-yard run by Brayden Smith, it was too little, too late. Elkins capped off their dominant night with a final touchdown in the fourth quarter, sealing the 49-14 victory.
In the end, Warren’s offense was undone by a series of costly turnovers and Elkins’ opportunistic defense. The Lumberjacks never found their rhythm and could not recover after a devastating first half.
Warren will look to recover during their upcoming off week. They’ll take a break next week and get back to their quest for another State Title by traveling to DeWitt for a big Conference 8-AAAA match up on September 27.
