Friday, November 3, 2017

Lumberjacks Complete Run of Conference 84A

All photos by Emmalee Goad
#& Keemontrae McKnight was one of the "go to" men for quarterback Jamalichi Kinnard during the Dollarway game.
 The Warren Lumberjacks had already sewed up the 84A Conference Championship and the #1 seed for the playoffs, but they went ahead and finished the season undefeated in the conference with a 38-6 win over the Dollarway Cardinals Thursday night at Dollarway.  The game was shortened by the sportsmanship rule that allowed the clock to run continuously in the second half after Warren went ahead by 35 points.  Dollarway scored it's only touchdown of the night on a five yard run with 2;56 remaining in the third quarter against Warren's second team defense.  The Lumberjacks evoked the sportsmanship rule against every conference opponent during the 2017 season.  While it can be argued the conference was not at it's strongest this year, to win the way the Lumberjacks did each week is incredible.
The Cardinas found no running room against the Lumberjacks.
Dollarway won the toss and elected to receive.  Warren kicked off and a good return set the Cardinals up at their own 35-yard line.  The Lumberjacks started several younger players on defense and Dollarway moved the ball early.  Warren force a punt and the ball rolled dead at the Jack 7-yard line.  The Lumberjacks moved the ball with ease and scored on a 30-yard touchdown pass from J'malachi Kinnard to Cade Reep.  Jesus Tinoco made the PAT and Warren led 7-0.  Early in the drive, Lumberjack fans were concerned after Treylon Burks made an outstanding catch but took a hard fall and appeared injured.  He was able to return to action and seemed to show no ill effects.
The Lumberjacks hung tough all night.

After the kick off, Dollarway took over at their own thirty seven.  The Warren defense forced a punt and took over at their own 15-yard line after a very good punt.  After another good drive, the Lumberjacks scored on a one yard TD pass from Kinnard to Davis Pennington with 1:29 left in the first quarter.  Tinoco was good on the point after and Warren was ahead 14-0.  It should be noted that Pennington is an outstanding offensive and defensive lineman and got a chance to score.  Coach Hembree tries to give his senior linemen opportunities to score when he can.
#44 plows ahead gaining yards for the Jacks.
The ensuing kick off left Dollarway at their 18-yard line following the return and a holding call.  As the second quarter got underway, Warren forced another punt and immediately moved the ball.  At the 5:58 mark Keemontrae McKnight scored on a five yard run and Tinoco made the extra point to put Warren ahead 21-0.  Dollarway took over after the kick off at their own twenty seven.  They moved the ball with some help from a pass interference call against Warren, but were forced to punt.  McKnight returned the punt for a touchdown but it was nullified by a penalty.   Yet another penalty set Warren back but Warren's offense, led by outstanding blocking by the offensive line and great running by McKnight and Vincent Stepps  advanced the ball quickly.  Stepps ripped off a 25-yard touchdown run with 1;29 left in the half and with the successful PAT by Tinoco, the Lumberjacks now lead 28-0.  After a kick off into the end zone by Tinoco, Warren forced a punt and got the ball back with 50 seconds remaining in the half.  Warren moved the ball but threw an interception near the end zone.
#* Donovan Ross makes a play for the men in orange.

Dollarway kicked off to begin the second half.  The Lumberjacks took over at their own 38.  Warren went for the home run to Treylon Burks who was interferred with.  Shortly thereafter, Kinnard hit McKnight with a nice throw to the Dollarway 13-yard line.  From the two, Will Woodard, another senior lineman, got the call and ran in for a TD from the two yard line.  Tinoco hit the point after and Warren was ahead 35-0 and the sportsmanship rule kicked in at the 9:50 mark of the third quarter.


A young 9th grader, Andreas Jacinto, just moved up, kicked off and with the Lumberjacks number two defense on the field, Dollarway scored with 2;56 remaining in the third quarter.  They went for two and were stopped.  The second defense looked good and aggressive but their inexperience showed at times.  Dollarway tried an onside kick which failed to travel ten yards.  In the fourth quarter, Warren's second offensive unit moved the ball well and got a 23-yard field goal from the kicker Jacinto.  Dollarway tried to respond but Mastin Frazer, playing safety, intercepted a Cardinal pass to wrap up the game.
A battle at the line!

The Lumberjacks have now won six consecutive conference 84A championships and 14 in the last 18 years.  They will begin their quest for a state title next Friday night, November 10th, facing the Highland Rebels, at Jim Hurley, Jr. Stadium.  Kick off is set for 7:00 P.M.  Only AAA passes will be accepted or a ticket will have to be purchased.
Wrap him up!!!

Once again Warren had a great crowd at Dollarway.  Lumberjack fans have turned out in large numbers all year.  It is important that fans in large numbers continue to show up and support this outstanding team as they pursue another state championship.  There are several very good class 4A teams and the task will be a challenge.  The Jacks are entertaining to watch and continue to bring Warren outstanding statewide, and indeed national attention.
Manhandliung the opposition.

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