Hopes of extending the season quickly faded for the Warrenton football team during a tumultuous third quarter last Friday. The Warriors gave up four unanswered touchdowns to host Kirksville, falling 56-20 in their Class 4 District 4 opener.

Warrenton concluded the season 4-6.

“We had so many mental breakdowns it wasn’t even funny,” lamented Coach Steve McDowell. 

The Warriors also lost leading rusher Quincy McRoberts in the beginning of the second half, trailing by just one touchdown at that juncture. He had already run for 100 yards on just 15 carries before exiting with an ankle injury.

“The wheels came off in the third quarter,” said McDowell. “We got the ball first and put together a good drive, but turned it over on downs. After Quincy went out, we really struggled.”

Even with McRoberts in the game, the Warriors were able to move the ball but not cross the goal line.

“Quincy had a great first half running the ball, but we weren’t able to capitalize,” said McDowell. “We’d move the ball, but then turn it over on downs.”

In spite of the offensive barriers, Warrenton found alternative ways to score, even taking the lead first when junior Kolby Meine returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown in the opening minute.

“We got off to a great start, picking off the first play from scrimmage for a score,” said McDowell. “We held them off, got the ball back and were moving pretty effectively.”

Kirksville answered with two rushing touchdowns, leading 14-7 after one quarter.

The second period began with McRoberts capping off a scoring drive for the Warriors, but the Tigers countered with a long passing touchdown to keep a 21-14 command heading into halftime.

“We had an opportunity there at the very end of the first half, when we got down to the three-yard line and threw interception. We’re feeling pretty good because we were playing decent and hanging with them.”

The third quarter found Warrenton unable to match four consecutive scores by Kirksville, which reached pay dirt on the balanced attack of two rushing and two passing plays.

“Defensively, we had some good stands throughout the night, but we just couldn’t stop the running game,” said McDowell. “They’re a solid team, but there were a lot of things we didn’t do to help ourselves.”

Junior quarterback Caelon Weir completed 14 of 25 passes for 119 yards, throwing one touchdown and four interceptions on Friday.

His primary target was Meine, with 63 yards on four catches. Senior Connor Tittel also snagged four receptions for 29 yards.

Defensively, senior Jack Russell led the way with 12 tackles, along with a sack and fumble recovery.

Despite the season coming to an end, McDowell is grateful for even being able to complete a campaign that was constantly in question.

“There were so many unknowns going into this year,” said McDowell. “We’ve been fortunate that we have been able to play the games, even with a few weeks we’ve been without key players due to quarantine.”

Warrenton dressed only 25 plays during its final contest.

“For that number of kids to go out each week and play, they played well,” said McDowell. “It’s a big credit to those guys for playing hard and getting the wins to make the best of the year.”