The Warrenton football team is celebrating more than just a 3-0 start to their season. Two players, Brandon Johnson and Mason Thompson, broke school records during their 40-35 win over Liberty on Sept. 13.

During the fourth quarter, Johnson intercepted a pass from Liberty quarterback Cody McMullen for a 36-yard return to the 10-yard line, which eventually led to a touchdown from Austin Haas. Johnson’s play led him to breaking the school for career interceptions, which he now holds at 11.

The record was previously held by Brandon Molinari, Warrenton’s assistant coach.

In addition, Thompson broke the school record for career touchdown receptions at 17. Thompson had two receiving touchdowns and was able to
break the record on his second touchdown of the night in the fourth quarter as well. Thompson had four receptions total for 108 yards.

“Coming into this game, we knew we were going to throw the ball and that’s what we did and were able to do,” Thompson said.

The Warriors were able to make a comeback after quickly going down 13 points in the first quarter. Head Coach Jason Koper said it took a bit for the team to wake up, but once they did, they were hitting all the right plays.

“It was definitely a little scary when we went down, but we just got to score and keep playing our football,” Johnson said.

The Warriors had not played the Eagles since 2021, and the last time they had won was in 2017. Koper came into this game knowing their defense was aggressive, so when the Warriors were able to put up 40 points, he was content.

“I feel like once we woke up, we adjusted to their speed. They’re quick and a good football team and it took us a little while to get adjusted to it, but once
we did, I thought we played sound,” Koper said. “The defense in the second, third quarter, it felt like we were pretty lights out for most of it.”

Koper said the halftime talk went well as the team's discussion focused on executing. He also noted that outside of the first quarter, the team was able to
limit the Eagles’ score.

Koper is hoping to see the Warriors continue to clean up little mistakes and close out a game, since the Eagles scored late in the fourth quarter.

“There’s lots of records being broken and what a great group of seniors to do it. They have been so dedicated to our program and to see them come out
and start 3-0 two years in a row against two Class 5 opponents both years is really a testament to their work effort,” Koper said.

In addition to Thompson’s two touchdowns, Austin Haas recorded two as well and rushed for 134 yards. Johnson had one touchdown and threw 219 yards. Peyton Dawson ran 65 yards and had one touchdown and Deadrick Forrest had 37 yards.

Cole Meyer intercepted a pass for a 44-yard return and Dawson had one interception as well. Kadin Stroer had 11 solo tackles and seven assisted tackles. Meyer had six solo tackles and two sacks and Dawson had five solos.

Stroer and Javon Jones recorded one sack and Jake Mincher had two.

Warrenton will play again at home this Friday, Sept. 20, against Winfield.