CROSSETT, Ark. – In a football showdown of two 8-4A heavyweights, the Warren Lumberjacks clashed with the Crossett Eagles on Friday night, September 29, 2023. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the stadium lights illuminated the field, fans from both sides were treated to a high-octane, heart-pounding contest that showcased the finest attributes of the gridiron. When the dust finally settled, it was the Warren Lumberjacks who emerged victorious with a 49-42 win over the Crossett Eagles, maintaining their undefeated record to this point.
Top photo: Ervin Rivera(18) takes a handoff from Jackson Dention(10) just before blasting into the end zone for a Warren touchdown at Crossett.
To view the complete photo album and purchase prints or digital copies from this game, CLICK HERE.
This Lumberjack Game Report is brought to you by:
Warren Entered as Undefeated, Crossett Hungry for Redemption
The game had all the makings of a classic, with Warren coming into the contest boasting a pristine 4-0 record, while Crossett, with a 3-1 record, aimed to make a statement on their home turf by knocking off the 8-4A Conference favorite Lumberjacks. Warren Coach Bo Hembree said this would be Crossett’s biggest game to-date when he spoke during this past week’s Johnny’s Radiator Shop Bo Show. The stakes were high, and both teams were primed for an intense battle.
First Quarter – A Quick Start for Warren
Warren won the coin toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff, setting the stage for a thrilling first quarter. Antonio Jordan returned the kick to midfield. It took just three plays for the Lumberjacks to strike first, with freshman quarterback Jackson Denton connecting with Neon’dre Thomas for a scintillating 31-yard touchdown pass. Alann Juarez added the extra point, giving Warren an early 7-0 lead.
The Lumberjack defense then stepped up, forcing a quick three-and-out after a crucial tackle by sophomore Louis Woods on third down. Crossett’s punt was fielded by Antonio Jordan, setting Warren up nicely in Crossett territory. However, a delay of game penalty on third down halted their progress. With 7:04 left in the first quarter and facing a 4th and 5 from the 26-yard line, Crossett sacked Denton, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Crossett’s quarterback Max Brooks showed his improvisational skills early in the drive on a short pass from a play that looked to be going nowhere The Eagles marched the ball to the Warren 15-yard line later int he drive. Brooks capped off the possession with a 15-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Ellis Mays, knotting the score at 7-7.
Second Quarter – Lumberjacks Regain Momentum
Warren wasted no time in responding on their next drive. Denton orchestrated a remarkable drive, highlighted by a scramble to the Crossett 38-yard line and a big catch on 3rd down by Tramond Miller. With 1:03 left in the first half, Warren looked to be on the way to regaining the lead. Denton targeted Miller in again, but the pass was intercepted in the endzone.
After that first-quarter turnover, Crossett started their drive at the 20 following interception touchback. A holding penalty backed them up to their own 8-yard line. Brooks was forced to scramble and was tackled by Warren’s Jordyn Ingram and JD Tillman. An incomplete pass on 3rd down led to a Crossett punt.
Warren’s next possession started with 10:31 on the clock. Ervin Rivera took the spotlight with a spectacular 32-yard rushing touchdown up the middle, showcasing a burst of speed not seen from the senior quite yet. Juarez’s extra point was good, and Warren extended their lead to 14-7.
The following kickoff from Juarez sailed deep into the end zone for another touchback. Crossett started their drive from the 20-yard line. Warren’s Cam Burks made a crucial pass breakup, leading to a Crossett punt that rolled deep into Lumberjack territory.
Warren’s next possession at 8:21 saw Denton connect with Thomas once again, this time for a 56-yard touchdown pass. With the extra point, Warren led 21-7.
To view the complete photo album and purchase prints or digital copies from this game, CLICK HERE.
Juarez’s kickoff following the touchdown sailed into the end zone, granting Crossett a touchback. With 7:40 left in the first half, the momentum swung in Warren’s favor as Neeyo Harding, one of Warren’s defensive stars, delivered a big-time sack, putting the pressure on Crossett’s offense.
The Eagles were forced to punt on their next drive, but it rolled into the end zone for a touchback, setting up Warren’s next offensive drive.
However, what looked like a promising drive for the Lumberjacks turned into an unexpected turn of events as they fumbled the ball deep in their own territory, and it was recovered by the Eagle defense.
Crossett seized the advantage granted by the turnover, with their tailback, Isaiah Button, embarking on a hard-fought, 17-yard touchdown run up the middle moments later. The trenches were a battleground as both teams fought tooth and nail for supremacy. The scoreboard now read Warren 21-14 Crossett with 5:55 left in the first half.
Warren responded as big-time teams so often do, with their foot on the gas. Denton orchestrated a masterful series of plays, including a pivotal pass over the middle to Tramond Miller. The crowd roared as Denton’s precision passing led to another touchdown, this time a 34-yard strike to Thomas. Thomas displayed exceptional skill, making a great adjustment on the catch, hauling it in over his shoulder in stride. With 5:09 remaining in the first half, Warren extended their lead to 28-14, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
The Jacks nearly put more points on the board before the midway break following a forced fumble recovered by Rivera.
After the turnover, Denton connected with Jordan at the Crossett 41 leading to a Warren timeout with just 4 seconds left in the half. A pass interference penalty on Crossett extended the half by one untimed down from the 21-yard line. The Jacks sent out the kicking unit, but Juarez’s field goal attempt hit the right post and was no good.
Halftime: Warren 28-14 Crossett
Third Quarter – Eagles Fight Back
Warren kicked off to start the third quarter, with Crossett returning the ball to their own 25-yard line. A pass to Button took the Eagles to the 46-yard line. Tillman made a crucial tackle, but a personal foul penalty on Warren helped Crossett, one of several self-inflicted wounds committed on the night by the orange and black. The Eagles capitalized with a 14-yard quarterback sweep right, cutting Warren’s lead to 28-21.
Warren started their next drive from their own 28-yard line. A 3rd and long pass to Miller advanced the ball to the Warren 40-yard line. A 15-yard hard run by Rivera set up Warren in a prime scoring position. A pass over the middle to Antonion Jordan took the Lumberjacks to the Crossett 2-yard line. Rivera finished off the drive with a one-yard rush two plays later for a touchdown, making it 35-21.
Crossett responded strongly with a drive that took them to the Warren 1-yard line, capping it off with a quarterback rushing touchdown to bring the score to 35-28.
Warren’s next drive was marred by a fumble, which was recovered by Crossett with 3:28 left to play in the period.
Crossett capitalized on the Warren turnover, scoring on a quarterback keeper touchdown with 1:42 left in the quarter. The extra point tied the game at 35-35.
Fourth Quarter – A Thrilling Finish
The fourth quarter commenced with a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. Both teams were locked in a fierce battle, determined to claim victory.
Crossett initiated their drive following another Warren turnover that occurred late in the third quarter. However, their progress was impeded by a holding penalty, which set them back. The Crossett faithful watched anxiously as the clock continued to tick.
Warren’s defense, anchored by standout Neon’dre Thomas, broke up a crucial pass attempt. With a monumental 4th and 28 situation from their own 42-yard line, the Eagles were left with no choice but to punt. Antonio Jordan fielded it for the Lumberjacks, returning it to the 24-yard line.
Warren’s drive commenced at their own 24-yard line, and the clock showed 8:57 remaining in the game. A couple of powerful runs by Jordyn Ingram moved the chains and placed Warren at their own 39-yard line.
Then, in a moment of sheer brilliance, Warren dialed up a beautifully designed reverse that left the Crossett defense in disarray. Kam Davis took the reverse and blazed a trail around the left edge, sprinting 61 yards to the end zone. The crowd erupted as Davis’s breathtaking run put Warren ahead 42-35 with 8:40 left in the game.
To view the complete photo album and purchase prints or digital copies from this game, CLICK HERE.
As the Eagles took over on the ensuing possession, Warren’s Cody Weatherspoon made what looked to be a game-changing play, forcing a fumble. JD Tillman, displaying impeccable awareness, pounced on the loose ball, granting the Lumberjacks a crucial turnover.
However, the pendulum swung once more just a play or two later when Crossett pulled off an interception. Wanson Belcher of the Eagles secured the turnover, giving his team new life with 7:39 left on the clock. Crossett began their drive on the Warren 19-yard line.
An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty provided Crossett with a valuable opportunity to inch closer to tying the game. Crossett went for the deep pass just seconds later, but it was expertly broken up by Thomas. The Lumberjacks’ defense stood firm.
Several plays later Antonio Jordan, a Lumberjack game-breaker, made an unbelievable interception near the Crossett sideline. The ball seemed to hang in the air for an eternity, with several players having a shot at it. However, it was Jordan who came down with it, securing a pivotal turnover for Warren.
Warren took over on their own 33-yard line with just 5:48 left in the game, clinging to a 42-35 lead.
With the clock ticking down, Warren’s Jordyn Ingram powered through Crossett’s defense with a 13-yard touchdown run, extending Warren’s lead to 49-35 with 4:05 remaining.
To view the complete photo album and purchase prints or digital copies from this game, CLICK HERE.
Warren’s kickoff attempt was a sky kick that booted a bit heavy on a line, and Crossett’s returner proved elusive. The downfield coverage struggled to bring him down, resulting in a return to the Warren 34-yard line.
The Eagles piled the pressure on late. Brooks connected with one of his wideouts for a 34-yard touchdown pass on a post route with just 3:19 to go to cut the score to 49-42 Warren advantage.
For Crossett, it was time to throw the kitchen sink at the ballgame. They lined up for an onside on the following kickoff. A well struck ball hit a Warren returner and was muffed. The Eagles recovered and looked to possibly be on the verge of a huge game-tying drive.
Crossett’s ensuing drive was met with staunch resistance from Warren’s defense. The Lumberjacks were in dire need of a big stand to secure the victory. Terence Roberson made an important tackle, and Neon’dre Thomas continued his stellar performance by breaking up another pass. The stakes couldn’t have been higher.
With time running out, Crossett went for broke with a deep pass, but Thomas once again rose to the occasion, breaking it up to maintain Warren’s lead. The Jacks took over on downs.
Warren regained possession from their own 47-yard line. Ingram took the handoff and surged ahead for a first down to the Crossett 38-yard line with 1:53 left on the clock. Ingram again took another handoff and made a short run which took the ball to the 31-yard line, and a timeout was called by Crossett with 1:23 remaining.
With the game clock on their side, Warren executed a quarterback keeper to perfection on third down. Denton’s run to the 25-yard line secured the first down, and the clock continued to tick.
With the victory well within their grasp, Denton took a knee to run out the clock, cementing the thrilling 49-42 win for the Warren Lumberjacks.
Key Performers and Stats
- Jordyn Ingram led Warren’s rushing attack with 139 yards and one touchdown.
- Ervin Rivera contributed 74 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
- Kam Davis showcased his explosiveness with a 67-yard rushing touchdown.
- Jackson Denton orchestrated the aerial assault, completing 19 of 30 passes for 351 yards and three touchdowns.
- Neon’dre Thomas was the standout receiver with 203 yards and three touchdowns.
- Antonio Jordan, with crucial plays on both sides of the ball, had four catches for 87 yards and a remarkable interception..
- Tramond Miller posted three catches for 40 yards
- Kam Davis had one catch for 11 yards.
In total, Warren amassed an impressive 637 yards of offense, with 286 yards coming on the ground and 351 through the air.
Stats provided by David King.
Biggest test of the year so far for Warren
With this thrilling victory, Warren moves to 5-0 on the season, while Crossett falls to 3-2.
The Jacks will return home to Jim Hurley, Jr. Stadium next Friday, October 5 to take on Dumas at Warren’s Homecoming celebration. That game kicks off at 7:00 p.m.