Lumberjacks Make Big Plays In Win Over DeWitt

Warren running back Vincent Steppes flies past several DeWitt defenders for a Lumberjack Touchdown. Photo by Robert Camp.

The Warren Lumberjacks went into the DeWitt game Friday night minus several starters due to injuries, including the best player in Arkansas and one of the best in America, Treylon Burks.  They battled a much improved DeWitt team that tried to control the ball all night and ground out yardage.  They had some success, but not enough, as the Lumberjacks came away with a 35-14 victory.  It was a physical game and it was a battle through four quarters.

Warren won the toss and elected to receive the ball.  Cade Reep, who played well all night, fair caught the ball at the Warren 42.  The Jacks immediately moved the ball and Vincent Steppes ripped off a 37-yard touchdown run and Jesus Tinoco made the first of five PATs and Warren led 7-0.  Tinoco kicked off to the Dragon 21 and Warren got the ball back at their own 36.  DeWitt then intercepted a short pass and began on offense once more.  Warren's defense held and the Jacks got the ball at their own 38.  Tinoco punted to the DeWitt 21.

Sophomore Christian Calhoun(#12) recovers a DeWitt fumble.  Photo by Robert Camp.

In the second quarter, Warren's Christian Calhoun recovered a Dragon fumble at the Lumberjack 46.  At the 9:42 mark of the second quarter Steppes made another great run for a touchdown and Tinoco hit the point after to extend Warren's led to 14-0.  With DeWitt running the ball effectively and keeping possession of the ball for the rest of the quarter, the Dragons scored on a 4th down on a six yard run with 54 seconds remaining in the half and made the point after to cut the lead to 14-7.  Warren had earlier just missed intercepting a pass to halt the drive.

To open the second half, Tinoco kicked off to the DeWitt 21.  Warren's kick coverage was superb all night.  The Warren defense held and got the ball back at the DeWitt 40 and Steppes again torched the Dragon defense for 40-yards and a touchdown.  Tinoco was perfect and Warren went up 21-7.  After a kick off to the DeWitt 17, the Dragons drove the ball running and hitting a few passes down to Warren's one yard line.  The Lumberjacks recovered a fumble and began a new drive.  The Jacks were forced to punt to DeWitt's 40.  The next Dewitt drive ended with a 38 yard TD pass and left the score 21-14 in Warren's favor.

Kemmontrae McKnight(#7) scampers down the sidelines with Vincent Steppes(#23) with him blocking for a Warren Touchdown. Photo by Robert Camp.

In the 4th quarter, Warren was forced to punt and stopped DeWitt on downs at the Dragon 38.  J'malachil Kinnard then hit Keemontrae McKnight with a short pass that McKnight turned into a brilliant touchdown run.  Tinoco made the score 28-14.  Tinoco then kicked off out of the end zone and Warren's defense forced another punt.  On 4th down Kinnard hit McKnight with a great throw and catch for a 10-yard touchdown and Tinoco made the score 35-14.  Tinoco again kicked off into the end zone and the Warren defense forced another punt.  The Warren offense then ran out the clock.

It is hard to determine who to give credit to for the Warren win.  It was truly a team victory.  Kinnard was outstanding at quarterback and on defense.  Steppes was brilliant and McKnight made several super plays.  Braden Curry was once again very good in pass coverage and made several tackles.  The offensive line did a really good job throughout the night and the defense led by Marcus Miller and Donovan Ross made several big plays when needed.
DeWitt kept the ball for long periods of time and were difficult to stop at times.  The Warren defense stayed on the field a lot but never quit fighting hard.  The offense had receivers deep for much of the game but had some trouble connecting, while the short passing game came through and the running was outstanding. 

Warren is now 6-0 on the season with one game against Stuttgart that did not count due to weather halting the contest ( Warren was ahead ).  The Jacks are 4-0 in conference 8AAAA and will face Monticello next in Monticello October 19th.  Warren will play a team that always gets up to compete against the Lumberjacks.  Warren needs a big crowd and a crowd loud and supportive.  The Lumberjacks have played like warriors the last two weeks and must continue to do so to finish out the regular season.