The Warren Lumberjacks emerged victorious with a 42-21 win over the Monticello Billies in the 2023 Union Bank and Trust Saline River Shootout held Friday, October 20 at Jim Hurley, Jr. Stadium on the campus of the Warren School District in Warren, Arkansas.
Top photo: Jordan Ingram celebrates a second half touchdown vs. Monticello.
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This Lumberjack Game Report is brought to you by:
The Rivalry
Coming into the game, the Warren Lumberjacks were undefeated, boasting a perfect 7-0 overall record and an impressive 5-0 record in the 8-4A Conference. Their opponents, the Monticello Billies, were no slouches either, sitting at 5-2 overall and 4-1 in the conference. With conference standings on the line, this showdown was set to be a high-stakes battle for bragging rights and playoff implications.
First Quarter
The game kicked off with Warren receiving the opening kickoff and promptly showcasing their ground game. Kam Davis made his presence known with a spectacular 25-yard sprint. The drive culminated with a two-yard touchdown run by Jordyn Ingram, putting the Lumberjacks up 7-0.
Monticello came out swining, but in the end came their opening drive came to nothing. They looked poised to strike but fell short, turning the ball over on downs in Warren’s territory.
Late in the first the Billies had their backs against the wall as Warren marched deep into the red zone. However, the visitors managed to intercept a pass in the end zone on 4th down to stay within striking distance in a one-possession game.
Second Quarter
The second quarter brought a series of dramatic turns. The Billies once again faced a challenging fourth-down situation, but their attempt ended in another turnover on downs near midfield. But then, Monticello linebacker Jagger Hines intercepted a tipped Warren pass and returned it for a touchdown, tying the game at 7-7 with 3:44 to go in the half.
Warren’s response was swift. Just minutes later, quarterback Jackson Denton connected with Neon’dre Thomas for a stunning 41-yard touchdown pass, though an issue with the hold led to a missed extra point. The score was now 13-7 in Warren’s favor.
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Not to be outdone, the Billies orchestrated an impressive drive that ended with a 38-yard run to the Warren 1-yard line. Hunter Howard punched it in for a touchdown, and the extra point was good, giving Monticello a 14-13 lead.
Warren had one last chance before the half, and they made it count. Starting at their own 31, they executed a quick, precise drive. Antonio Jordan’s 10-yard touchdown reception in the corner of the end zone, followed by a successful 2-point conversion pass to Miller, gave Warren a 21-14 lead heading into halftime.
Third and Fourth Quarter Deciders
The third quarter saw the Billies fight back with a 1-yard rushing touchdown from Ja’quayvius Rhodes, evening the score at 21-21. But Warren’s offense was relentless. The Lumberjacks utilized their offensive line and running back Jordyn Ingram, who helped lead them to a 28-21 lead with a 3-yard rushing touchdown by Antonio Jordan on the following drive.
In the fourth quarter, Warren took control of the game. With 6:20 left, Denton connected with Jordan for a 17-yard touchdown pass, and the extra point was good, extending their lead to 35-21. Monticello struggled to move the ball effectively in the final moments, culminating in a game-sealing sack from Warren’s JD Tillman, Jordyn Ingram, and Jakendric Burks.
Capitalizing on the excellent field position following the turnover on downs, Warren sealed the deal with an 11-yard rushing touchdown by Ingram, and the final score was set at 42-21 in favor of the Lumberjacks.
Statistical Standouts
- Rushing:
- Jordyn Ingram, 17 carries, 105 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Antonio Jordan, 2 carries, 3 yards, 1 touchdown
- Passing:
- Jackson Denton, 16 of 26, 3 touchdowns, 200 yards
- Receiving:
- Antonio Jordan, 6 catches, 91 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Kam Davis, 4 catches, 24 yards
- Neon’dre Thomas, 4 catches, 54 yards, 1 touchdown
- Tramond Miller, 2 catches, 15 yards
- Treylon Jacks, 1 catch, 3 yards
- Team Totals:
- 160 yards rushing
- 200 yards passing
- 360 total yards
Stats provided by David King.