By Patrick MacCoon Record Sports EditorFor the second straight season, Warrenton prevailed over St. Dominic as they converted two major third downs on the final drive to to secure a 28-26 victory on the road in Friday night's season opener.Jacob Crump and Cameron Richardson moved the chains one final time and the celebration ensued. Instead of a goal line stop, the offense came through when needed late.Senior quarterback Braydan Chmiel had a rough start, but shook off a first quarter interception to finish 20-of-27 for a career-high 231 yards and two touchdowns.Hunter Russell put up his second career 100-yard receiving total against the Crusaders as the Warriors deep threat caught five passes for 119 yards and two scores.Russell's first score was a 35-yard go-route down the right sideline to cut Warrenton's deficit to 13-7 and his last touchdown reception of 32 yards came down the right sideline to the opposite end zone to take a 28-19 lead with 7:05 left in the fourth quarter.In his first start as a Warrior, junior running back Richardson broke the century mark on a memorable night.The speedster rushed for 136 yards on 20 carries and also dove in over defenders on a five-yard touchdown run that put Warrenton up 21-13 early on in the fourth quarter.Jacob Abel played well on both sides of the ball and finished with a team-high eight catches for 62 yards. The all-state safety also led all with nine tackles.Despite eight penalties, Head Coach Steve McDowell's offense racked up 398 total yards (231 passing, 167 rushing) compared to St. Dominic's 274 (54 passing, 220 rushing).While a big night was had by Crusaders running back Jake Larson, who finished with 27 carries for 146 yards and three scores, top 30 Post-Dispatch quarterback Konner Fitzgerald was held to 4-of-11 passing for 54 yards and a score.Ken Bonzo had a crucial impact for the defense as he had a sack, two quarterback hurries and blocked a field goal that was scooped up by Russell for a 75-yard score in the first half. A score that gave Warrenton a 14-13 lead.The Warriors return to action next week on the road at Troy with a 1-0 record.Wright City 20, Trinity Catholic 18Wright City scored within the final two minutes on a touchdown by DeRenzo Blanks from three yards out to preserve a hard fought victory in the season opener.Jeff Sargent came away with his first victory after Troy Muse had a deep catch down the sideline on a fade route to set up the winning score.The defense set up the winning drive after securing a fumble by the Titans and drove over 70 yards downfield for the winning score by Blanks.The Wildcats scored first to begin the game.Muse led the Wildcats in receiving yards while Andrew Pfuhl had a solid debut at quarterback. Muse registered his first touchdown of the season.Wright City is 1-0 and will play a home contest against Orchard Farm next week.

Sophomore running back Cameron Richardson reaches out on a dive into the end zone to give Warrenton a 21-13 lead. Richardson rushed for 136 yards and a touchdown.

Patrick MacCoon photo.