In a highly anticipated matchup, the Greenbrier Panthers, a top ten team in Class 5A, outlasted the Class 4A top-ranked Warren Lumberjacks, securing a 41-34 victory in a game filled with explosive plays and momentum swings on Friday night.
Warren got off to a quick start after recovering an onside kick to begin the game, with AJ Jordan's 36-yard return setting up a short field. Quarterback Jackson Denton orchestrated an efficient drive, capped off by Aaron Davis' 20-yard touchdown run. Kicker Marquez added the extra point, giving Warren a 7-0 lead with just under 10 minutes left in the first quarter.
Greenbrier responded swiftly. The Panthers' quarterback, Palmer, connected with Connor Miller for a 38-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 7-7. The back-and-forth continued as Denton found Neondre Thomas for a 57-yard touchdown on the next possession, regaining the lead for Warren at 14-7.
The Panthers, however, answered with a methodical drive, capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass from Palmer, knotting the score at 14-14 as the first quarter came to a close. Following a sensational 77 yard touchdown pass to future Razorback, AJ Jordan, the Jacks found themselves with a 20-14 lead only to see that lead fade away on the next drive as the Panthers found the end zone and made the extra point, taking a 21-20 lead into half time.
Greenbrier seized control early in the second half, fueled by a 45-yard burst from running back Assan, who followed up with a 5-yard touchdown run. Although the Panthers missed the extra point, they extended their lead to 27-20.
After a few back and forth drives by both teams, Greenbrier would find the end zone again, riding on the back of standout tailback Enoch Assan and taking a commanding two touchdown lead, 34-20.
The Lumberjacks were quick to strike back as Cam Burks connected with Jordan for a 40-yard touchdown, bringing Warren within a touchdown at 34-27 midway through the third quarter. A shanked punt by the Panthers gave Warren excellent field position, which Burks and Thomas capitalized on with a 60-yard touchdown connection to tie the game at 34-34 late in the third.
In the final quarter, both defenses tightened, forcing punts and turnovers. With just under two minutes left, Greenbrier's Assan broke loose for a 15-yard touchdown run, giving the Panthers a 41-34 lead. Warren's last-ditch effort ended in a game-sealing interception, allowing Greenbrier to run out the clock and secure the win.
Despite the loss, Warren showcased their explosive playmaking ability, with Burks and Jordan emerging as key contributors. However, it was Greenbrier's resilience and Assan's clutch performance that ultimately sealed the Panthers' victory in this thrilling contest.
Warren will be at home next week as they welcome the White Hall Bulldogs into Jim Hurley Jr Field at Lumber Stadium. Game time is Friday at 7p.m.
