By Patrick MacCoonRecord Sports EditorWith just over a minute left before each team regrouped in the locker room at halftime, St. Dominic had an opportunity to take a two-score lead over Warrenton.A 25-yard field goal attempt looked to give the Crusaders breathing room over an opponent they had lost to in last season’s opener, in which they were turned away by a goal-line stand.Once again they were denied.The Warriors brought heavy pressure on the kicking game to force a game-changing miscue.Even before both sides’ captains shook hands before the opening kickoff, senior outside linebacker Ken Bonzo told his teammates he was going to come away with a big special teams play.“Before the game Kenny said he was going to block a field goal,” senior receiver Hunter Russell said. “He kept saying, ‘I’m going to block one, I’m going to block one.’ ”Bonzo did just what he promised as he shot around the outside blockers untouched and dove to block the kick with both hands before the kicker even had a chance to realize what had happened.On the far right side was Russell, who scooped up a gift as the football bounced right into his chest. In full stride, the speedster outraced the Crusaders downfield for an 80-yard touchdown on the recovery.“Picking the ball up and running it back after Kenny blocked it was a game changer,” Russell said. “It was an awesome feeling to score off a special teams play and it really opened the game for us since we were struggling on offense in the first half.”All of a sudden, instead of trailing 16-7, the Warriors took a 14-13 lead after Dillen Mayfield successfully converted the extra point with 54 seconds before the end of the first half.The momentum swing resulted in not only Warrenton’s first lead, but also one that wouldn’t be relinquished the rest of the way.Despite a scoreless third quarter, the final 12 minutes had plenty of offense for both sides.Making his highly anticipated debut at running back for the Warriors was Cameron Richardson. With 9:14 remaining, the junior transfer broke a tackle and dove over several defenders on a highlight reel worthy 5-yard touchdown run.Richardson became Warrenton’s first 100-yard rusher since Braydan Chmiel and Zach Logan did so in a 73-30 win over Winfield on Oct. 11, 2013. Richardson totaled 136 rushing yards on 20 carries. He finished with five runs over 10 yards, including a long of 25.“The first half was a little rough for our offense, but after that we were on them and were stronger,” Richardson said. “We never showed weakness and we kept going a them. This was the most exciting win I’ve been a part of and I’m glad to help this team out.”St. Dominic (0-1) answered back 14 seconds later after Richardson’s lone score. After a kickoff return to the Warrenton 5, Jacob Larson scored his third rushing touchdown with nine minutes remaining. However, the two-point conversion failed and the Crusaders trailed 21-19.The Warriors (1-0) took a 28-19 lead, their biggest lead, after Chmiel connected with for Russell for his second score through the air to the deep threat. Russell’s 32-yard score on the play-action pass was his third reception for over 30 yards in the contest.Russell recorded his third career 100-plus yard game as he caught five passes for 119 yards. He scored three of his team’s four touchdowns.Chmiel finished with 231 passing yards and completed 20-of-26 attempts (76.9 percent).“Braydan had an excellent night and was very sharp and crisp,” Head Coach Steve McDowell said. “We had planned to power the ball, but it was nice to have several different options. We had a lot of short passes and that enabled us to throw the long ball to Hunter.”While the Crusaders found the end zone one last time, Warrenton controlled the ball for the last 3:59 and converted two crucial third downs to come away victorious.Warrenton outgained St. Dominic in total yards, 398-274, and recorded 22 first downs.Jacob Abel finished with a team-high nine solo tackles (11 total) and had a strong debut at wide receiver with eight catches for 62 hard-fought yards. Bonzo contributed a sack and the crucial block on defense.For the second year in a row, the Warriors denied the Crusaders from a victory.“I guess we just have it out for St. Dominic,” Russell said with a smile. “In these close games, you’ve got to have that one big play that changes it all.”Warrenton will return to action Friday on the road against Troy.

Senior outside linebacker Ken Bonzo sacks Konner Fitzgerald in the first quarter during the season opener against St. Dominic. Bonzo also had a crucial field goal block to give Warrenton a lead right before halftime.

Patrick MacCoon photo.