In a rain-soaked battle under the Friday night lights, the Warren Lumberjacks opened their conference schedule with a hard-fought 34-22 win over the DeWitt Dragons. The game was filled with momentum swings, key defensive stops, and big plays as Warren secured a crucial early lead in the conference standings.
The game started in dramatic fashion with Warren's defense putting points on the board first. After a quick three-and-out by the Lumberjack offense, DeWitt began their first drive deep in their own territory. A bad snap led to Warren tackling the Dragons' quarterback in the end zone for a safety, giving the Lumberjacks a 2-0 lead with 9:15 remaining in the first quarter.
Warren wasted no time capitalizing on the free kick, taking over in DeWitt territory at the 36-yard line. Cam Smith broke a big run to set up A.K. Jordan, who dashed down the sideline for a touchdown, extending the Lumberjack lead to 8-0.
DeWitt responded, moving the ball down to Warren's 20-yard line on a long pass play, but Warren’s defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs. The Dragons had a few opportunities but were plagued by penalties and miscues, allowing Warren to maintain an 8-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw Warren extend its lead. After another defensive stop, Warren began a drive near midfield. A big run by Jordan was called back due to holding, but Smith broke loose for a 30-yard gain on the next play, setting up a one-yard touchdown plunge. The Lumberjacks took a 14-0 lead with 5:21 left in the half.
DeWitt's offense began to find its rhythm late in the second quarter. Still, the Lumberjack defense held firm again, stopping a DeWitt drive at Warren's 25-yard line as the half expired with Warren ahead 14-0.
The Dragons struck early in the second half, cutting the deficit to 14-7 on a 40-yard touchdown run by Landon Simpson. However, Warren answered with a sustained drive, eating up the clock and moving the ball into the red zone. Jordan capped off the drive with a one-yard touchdown, and a successful two-point conversion extended Warren's lead to 22-7.
DeWitt refused to go quietly, though. With 3:00 left in the third quarter, DeWitt’s quarterback Justin Ross broke free for a 50-yard touchdown run to make it 22-14. The Dragons recovered the ensuing onside kick, and two plays later, a fumble recovery for a touchdown brought DeWitt even at 22-22.
Warren responded immediately, as they scooped up the next onside kick and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown. A failed two-point attempt kept the score at 28-22 with just seconds remaining in the third quarter. On the very next play from scrimmage, DeWitt fumbled, and the Lumberjacks recovered and returned it for another score, giving Warren a 34-22 lead as time expired in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter saw DeWitt push into Warren territory again, but a costly fumble gave the ball back to the Lumberjacks with just over 10 minutes remaining. Warren leaned on their ground game to chew up clock, but a late interception by DeWitt's Justin Ross gave the Dragons one last chance. With just over three minutes left, the Dragons drove inside the Lumberjack 30, but Warren's defense came up with a game-sealing interception to close out the victory.
Warren will now turn its attention to next week's home showdown against Monticello in the Union Bank Saline River Shootout. With the early conference lead on the line, the Lumberjacks will look to build on their strong start.
