When it came down to the wire, Eli Schneider came through – twice.
In Warrenton’s 21-14 win over Borgia on Friday at home on Senior Night, Schneider came through on offense and, ultimately, on defense.
He scored on a 1-yard run with 1 minute, 14 seconds left to play to break the tie.
“All the credit goes to my offensive line,” said Schneider of the score. “They make it easy for us.”
While it was Schneider who came through with the decisive score, he also ended the game by sacking Borgia quarterback Evan Mallinckrodt on the final play before he could release a pass toward the end zone.
Warrenton Coach Jason Koper lauded Schneider and the team for their efforts.
“That is a heart-and-soul leader of our team,” said Koper of Schneider. “He’s a great young man. I love that kid and I love the intensity he plays with.”
Schneider’s offensive coup de gras came thanks to wide out Ty Thompson who made a big catch near the goal line to set up the score for Warrenton (6-3).
It was the second big catch for the wideout.
Down seven early in the fourth after a Knights’ third-quarter score, Warrenton put together a drive to tie the score. It ended when Sophomore quarterback found Thompson for the 23-yard score.
Thompson said he’s just happy to show off his skills.
“It’s great that I’ve been given the chance to show what I can do,” Thompson said. “It feels great that my quarterback and my team have faith in me.”
Borgia retook the lead near the midpoint of the third quarter to erase a 7-all score.
That’s where Evan Mallinckrodt found Ethan Leesman for the score to re-establish the lead.
Each side scored in the first half.
Borgia jumped to the lead when senior back Tyler Woodle found the end zone from two yards out with 3 minutes, 46 seconds left in the first quarter.
Warrenton tied the game when junior Bradley Tucker scampered in from five yards out with 1:36 left in the opening quarter. Jake Kinney added the extra point to tie the game at seven.
The game was the eighth between the teams since 1999.
Before Friday, Borgia led the series between the teams by a 5-2 tally, including a home win in 2011. Warrenton’s last win against Borgia was at home in 2010 by a 37-3 score.
The Class 4 District 4 tournament will begin next week. Warrenton will likely play at 7 p.m. on Friday at Hannibal after the Pirates defeated Fort Zumwalt West 54-47 on Friday.
“We’ve had some good games with them,” said Koper of Hannibal. “They’re a very well-coached team. It’ll be a good one.”
