Lumberjacks find a way to win in a tight playoff battle vs. rugged Bauxite squad to reach the 4A State Quarterfinals
WARREN, Ark. – The Warren Lumberjacks are 4A State Quarterfinal bound after defeating a gritty Bauxite Miners team 28-21 in a sensational second-round playoff class at Jim Hurley, Jr. Stadium in Warren Friday night, November 17, 2023.
The Jacks entered the game with an immaculate 11-0 record. They faced off against a spirited Bauxite team boasting an 8-3 overall recording, having defeated one of Warren’s 8-4A Conference foes, McGehee, in round one.
Top photo: Warren’s Tramond Miller(3) sprints for the opening touchdown of the third quarter in Warren’s win over Bauxite.
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1st Quarter: Early Dominance by Warren
The opening quarter saw Warren setting the tone for the game, with Alann Juarez’s opening kickoff sailing into the end zone for a touchback. On Bauxite’s initial drive, the formidable Warren defense, led by the Ervin Rivera, Jordyn Ingram, and Neeyo Harding swiftly imposed their will, forcing a quick three and out. A scuffed punt by Bauxite’s kicker played into the hands of Warren’s JD Tillman, who returned it 23 yards for a touchdown. A successful extra point by Juarez gave Warren an early 7-0 lead.
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Warren came close to doubling their advantage a few minutes later after forcing another Bauxite punt. The Jacks marched as far as the Miner 2-yard line, but failed to punch it into the end zone, turning the ball over on downs depend in Bauxite territory.
The Miners then orchestrated a drive that flipped the field and took them to the Warren 26-yard line before the quarter concluded.
2nd Quarter: Back-and-Forth Battle
Bauxite carried the momentum from the end of the first quarter into the second, eventually notching a touchdown to level the game at 7-7.
Undeterred, Warren responded with a masterful touchdown pass from quarterback Jackson Denton to the hot-handed Neon’dre Thomas with 4:49 to go before the half, resulting in a 14-7 lead.
Bauxite hit right back. Before the midway point they put together a solid drive capped off with a 7-yard touchdown pass to even the score at 14-14 at the half.
3rd Quarter: Explosive Plays by Warren
The third quarter burst into life as Warren’s Tramond Miller returned the kickoff 73 yards for a breathtaking touchdown, delivering a proverbial gut punch to Bauxite. Alann Juarez tacked on the extra point to put the orange and black up 21-14 just mere seconds into the third period.
A couple of possessions later, after a punt from each side, Bauxite managed an 8-yard touchdown run, leveling the game at 21-21.
4th Quarter: Warren Seals the Victory
Entering the final quarter with the game tied, Warren’s defense rose to the occasion, making a crucial stop and forcing a Bauxite punt.
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Inside Warren’s half of the field, on second and six, Quarterback Jackson Denton dialed up a long-distance connection through the air with Thomas than set the Jacks up nicely at the Bauxite 23, just outside of the red zone. On the very next play, Warren ripped off a 23-yard touchdown courtesy of senior tailback Treylon Jackson. Jackson shook off a defender in the backfield, bounced out wide right of the tackle, and bolted to the corner for a touchdown, propelling Warren to a 28-21 lead with just over seven minutes remaining.
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In the waning moments of the game, Bauxite mounted a comeback attempt. However, Warren’s Neon’dre Thomas sealed the victory with a spectacular interception. With time running out, the Lumberjacks successfully ran out the clock, securing the 28-21 victory.
Up Next: Lumberjacks vs. Hillbillies
The Warren Lumberjacks now turn their attention to the next challenge, hosting the Ozark Hillbillies in the upcoming quarterfinal playoff round on Friday, November 24, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
Game Stats:
Warren Lumberjacks:
- Rushing:
- Treylon Jackson: 15 carries, 91 yards, 1 touchdown
- Jordyn Ingram: 3 carries, 11 yards
- Passing:
- Jackson Denton: 8 of 13, 120 yards, 1 touchdown
- Receiving:
- Neon’dre Thomas: 6 catches, 86 yards, 1 touchdown
- Kam Davis: 2 catches, 18 yards
- Treylon Jackson: 2 catches, 12 yards
- Tramond Miller: 1 catch, 8 yards
- Team Totals:
- Rushing: 66 yards
- Passing: 120 yards
- Total Offense: 186 yards
Bauxite Miners:
- Team Totals:
- Rushing: 173 yards
- Passing: 126 yards
- Total Offense: 299 yards