Jacks exit the 4A State Playoffs after a tremendous semifinal run
WILSON, Ark. – The Warren Lumberjacks’ 2023 season came to an end Friday night, December 1, as the orange and black fell to the Rivercrest Colts in the semifinal round of the 4A State Playoffs by the final score of 24-14 on the road at Rivercrest.
Top photo: Cam Burks(8), Bryson Harris(58), and Antonio Jordan(2) walk towards the sideline during a timeout break on the road at Rivercrest.
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This Lumberjack Game Report is brought to you by:
Team Background
The Rivercrest Colts, entering the game with an impressive 11-2 record, leaned heavily on their outstanding defense and strongmen in the trenches. On the other side, the Warren Lumberjacks, with an undefeated 13-0 season and the 8-4A Conference championship under their belt, were looking to secure their spot in the state finals next week.
1st Quarter: A Defensive Battle
The opening quarter saw both teams struggling to establish offensive dominance. Warren received the opening kickoff, returning the ball to their own 41-yard line. They faced a resilient Rivercrest defense on the first possession of the ballgame, forcing a punt after a stuttering drive.
The Colts, starting at their own 12-yard line, failed to convert on a crucial 3rd and 2, thanks to a standout play by Lumberjack Jordyn Ingram. Rivercrest punted, giving Warren an opportunity at the 45-yard line. However, the Lumberjacks were unable to capitalize, turning the ball over on downs.
The defensive showcase continued, with Rivercrest intercepting a deep pass from Warren. Despite their offensive struggles, Warren’s defense held firm, with Ervin Rivera breaking up a critical pass on 4th and 8 on the Colts’ next drive.
2nd Quarter: Colts Take Control
Warren nearly took the upper hand in the early minutes of the second quarter. A beautiful pass by Warren quarterback Jackson Denton looked destined to set the Jacks up deep into enemy territory, but deflected off the hands of the receiver, bouncing unfortunatly into the grasp of the Rivercrest safety, who intercepted the pass. Following the turnover, with 7:43 on the clock, Rivercrest secured a 4-yard touchdown run, taking a 6-0 lead after a failed 2-point conversion.
Rivercrest extended their lead to 14-0 with a 3-yard touchdown run and successful 2-point conversion just a few minutes later after another Warren possession failed to pick up steam.
Late in the quarter the Jacks looked to have pulled a score back. Denton delivered a lofted pass to Antonio Jordan into the end zone from about 15 yards out. However, a flag was thrown for pass interference on Jordan. Replays showed the contact to be minimal at best. Nonetheless, the penalty clawed back the six points off the board and sent Warren into the halftime break down 14-0.
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3rd Quarter: Defensive Battle Continues
The third quarter unfolded as a defensive chess match, with both teams fiercely contesting every yard gained.
The Colts faced an immediate challenge on their opening possession of the second half, as Warren’s defense tightened its grip. Rivercrest, unable to sustain a drive, found themselves in a three-and-out situation, forced to punt. Antonio Jordan returned the punt to near midfield.
Despite the advantageous field position, Warren’s offense struggled to gain a foothold. Just a minute into the quarter, the Lumberjacks found themselves in a punting situation again, with Rivercrest’s defense stifling next to everything the Jacks threw at them.
With 7:32 on the clock and facing a critical 4th and 4 from the Lumberjack 5-yard line, Rivercrest rolled the dice and went for the endzone. Lumberjack defensive standout and senior leader, Ervin Rivera delivered a massive sack, denying the Colts the opportunity to extend their lead.
4th Quarter: Warren Gets On The Board
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Trailing 14-0, Warren needed a comeback in the fourth quarter. A well-executed pass from Denton to Tramond Miller resulted in a touchdown, closing the gap to 14-6 with 8:18 to go.
However, a Rivercrest 55-yard run on their next drive and subsequent touchdown widened the margin to 22-6.
In the closing minutes, pressure from the Colts resulted in a Warren safety, effectively putting the game out of reach.
A late touchdown pass from Denton to Jordan and successful 2-point conversion brought the final score to 24-14, favoring Rivercrest.
With the loss, another highly successful Warren season comes to a close. The Lumberjacks finish the year at 13-1 overall with an 8-4A Conference title.
Game Stats
Rushing:
- Jackson Denton: 3 carries, -20 yards
- Treylon Jackson: 6 carries, 3 yards
Passing:
- Jackson Denton: 15 of 32, 181 yards, 2 touchdowns
Receiving:
- Antonio Jordan: 7 catches, 88 yards, 1 touchdown
- Neon’dre Thomas: 3 catches, 43 yards
- Treylon Jackson: 2 catches, 9 yards
- Tramond Miller: 2 catches, 17 yards, 1 touchdown
- Kam Davis: 1 catch, 7 yards
Team Stats
Warren Offense:
- Rushing: -17 yards
- Passing: 181 yards
- Total Yards: 164
Rivercrest Offense:
- Rushing: 395 yards
- Passing: 78 yards
- Total Yards: 473
Stats provided by David King.
