The Warrenton football team fell 21-16 in the Class 4 state semifinal game this afternoon against Festus. The Warriors ended their season with a 12-1 record and made their longest postseason run since 2010. 

In the first quarter, Taylor Anderson and Austin Haas both contributed to an interception, which then led to Haas' 19-yard rushing touchdown a minute later. Tyler Faerber added on an extra point and the Warriors were up 7-0. 

In the second quarter, Festus scored on a eight yard run to tie up the score. Javon Jones then recorded a quarterback sack and the two teams were tied heading into halftime. 

In the third quarter, Festus threw for a 45-yard touchdown and ran for a 16-yard touchdown. The Tigers were up 21-7 with six minutes left in the third. Deadrick Forrest responded for the Warriors and caught a 15-yard touchdown from Brandon Johnson. 

The Warriors trailed 21-14 going into the fourth quarter. 

Early in the quarter, Johnson left the field with an injury and did not return. The Warriors put the ball in Haas’ hands, while Jones was in the running back position. Haas threw a 40-yard pass to Mason Thompson to put the Warriors in the Tiger’s redzone. However, the Warriors were unable to break through and the Tigers intercepted the ball on their last drive. 

Late in the fourth, the Warrenton defense recorded a safety to make the score 21-16. The Warriors went for one more go on offense, but were unable to find the endzone and lost 21-16 to Festus.

Festus will go on to play Lutheran North in the Class 4 state championships next Friday at 11 a.m. on Faurot Field.

For more on Warrenton's season, see the Dec. 5 edition of The Record.