WARREN, Ark. – In the single preseason scrimmage for both teams ahead of next week’s start to the 2023 Arkansas High School Football season, the Warren Lumberjacks clashed with their old rival of many decades, the Fordyce Redbugs. Fans gathered at Jim Hurley, Jr. Stadium in Warren, Arkansas, on Friday evening to witness the action-packed event.
Top photo: Tramond Miller takes a handoff from quarterback Jackson Denton early in Warren’s scrimmage vs. Fordyce.
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First Half Fireworks
The first half kicked off with high anticipation. Alan Juarez, a two-year standout for Warren’s soccer team looks to have taken over kicking duties this season. The lefty junior has one of the strongest legs of any place kicker in the last 20-30 years at Warren.
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The Redbugs initiated their drive from the 30-yard line but were quickly halted by a superb tackle from JD Tillman, limiting them to a mere 1-yard gain. Cam Burks, a recent transfer into the Warren School District, displayed his prowess with a 3rd down deflection.
However, a busted coverage led to a long-range touchdown pass by Fordyce, causing some debate as to whether it should have been blown dead with Warren bearing down on the Redbug quarterback and unable to hit him due the agreed rules of the preseason matchup.
Warren’s following six-play drive showed promise but was cut short due to a high snap.
The Redbugs struggled to gain traction on their next drive, with no scoring opportunity materializing.
Warren Strikes Back
Warren’s second team took the field, and Burks completed a pass to Neo Harding before the QB protection whistle was blown due to pressure in the backfield on 4th down.
Fordyce’s drive also ended fruitlessly.
Warren’s offense made several deep passes to Neon’dre Thomas, narrowly missing a touchdown on one occasion. Unfortunately, these drives came to naught as well.
The deadlock was finally broken when quarterback Jackson Denton connected with AJ Jordan for a 10-yard touchdown pass, and Juarez nailed the extra point, tying the score at 7-7. The scoreboard was reset at halftime, given the nature of the preseason scrimmage.
Second Half Action
Both teams agreed to play a live full second half, raising the stakes and excitement.
Warren’s opening kickoff return saw Cam Davis making a significant gain. Denton followed this with a 13-yard pass to Jordan, bringing the Lumberjacks into Redbug territory. Despite their best efforts, Warren could not convert on 4th and 15, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Fordyce’s possession was short-lived as they fumbled the ball on the second play.
Denton continued to impress, completing a 30-yard pass to Jordan and setting up a 2-yard touchdown run by multi-sport athlete Jordyn Ingram. Juarez’s extra point gave Warren a 7-0 lead.
Fordyce’s struggles persisted as they were forced to punt once again.
The Lumberjacks showed no signs of slowing down, with Treylon Jackson rushing to the Redbug 10-yard line. Denton capitalized on this field position with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Thomas, securing a 20-0 lead for the Lumberjacks.
Fordyce’s offense continued to face formidable resistance. Tramond Miller’s outstanding play at corner forced a 4th down, leading to another Redbug punt.
Warren’s offense remained relentless as they executed a well-timed pass, resulting in a 60-yard touchdown after a tip. The Lumberjacks extended their lead to 27-0.
Fordyce managed to score a touchdown after intercepting a busted route, but the two-point conversion was unsuccessful, making it 27-6 in Warren’s favor.
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Warren’s final drive showcased their versatility, as Burks completed a 30-yard pass to Jordan for another touchdown. Juarez’s extra point was on the mark, capping the second half with a final score of Warren 34, Fordyce 6.
Looking Ahead
With this impressive preseason performance behind them, the Warren Lumberjacks are gearing up for their regular season opener against Stuttgart at Jim Hurley, Jr. Stadium on Friday, August 25, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
Editor’s note: Lumberjack Media Day has not been held yet, therefore we don’t have an official roster at this time. If a name is misspelled, we apologize.
Also please note that our full coverage of Warren’s season begins next week. We’ll have the Johnny’s Radiator Shop Bo Show on Wednesday, the Dr. Joe Wharton High School Football scoreboard Friday night, as well as the Joey Cathey State Farm Lumberjack Player of the Week following next Friday’s game vs. Stuttgart.