Wearing down its outmatched opponent, the Warrenton football team returned to the winning track last Friday with a 43-24 victory over Jennings.

In a game that was originally supposed to be on the road, the Warriors quickly established a lead they would never relinquish, improving to 5-1 on the season. 

The Warriors drove the ball downfield at will, but did have to fight for their points in the red zone, as Jennings’ strongest asset was perhaps its goal-line defense.

It provided an opportunity for Warrenton to show its versatility, and for junior kicker Zac Blackwood to help build a significant cushion. He booted three field goals in the first half to keep Jennings at bay.

“To have Zac back there, we’re very comfortable with him kicking from within 40 yards,” said Warrenton Head Coach Steve McDowell. “This was a good night to get those field goals in and help him build some confidence.”

Quarterback Brenden Smith opened the scoring for the Warriors, connecting with fellow senior Brandon Molinari on a 29-yard touchdown pass on the first drive of the game.

The Warriors looked to Blackwood on a 20-yard field goal with 2:53 remaining in the period to develop a 10-0 lead.

Smith scored on a pair of one-yard runs in the second quarter, while Blackwood booted field goals of 23 and 25 yards to give Warrenton a 30-0 advantage by halftime.

“I thought our offense moved the ball pretty well tonight,” said McDowell. “We got inside the red zone a lot. We tried to have a good mix of passing and running.”

Warrenton made it difficult for Jennings to develop any type of offensive drive, forcing three turnovers. Seniors Caleb Strauss, Chris Vogt and Johnny Wiltsch each recovered a fumble, while junior Chris Baumer snagged an interception.

“Our defense was very disciplined,” said Wiltsch. “The linebackers read the running backs well and the defensive backs were great in coverage. Our linemen also did an awesome job of containing the quarterback.”

“Our defense shut them down the entire first half, not giving them any first downs,” said McDowell. “The first string defense did an outstanding job.”

Midway through the third quarter Smith’s work was done, after he plowed his way into the end zone on a 21-yard touchdown run. 

He topped the century mark for the fifth straight time this season, rushing for exactly 100 yards on 15 carries. Smith went 5-for-7 through the air for 85 yards and one touchdown on a limited passing night.

The reserves took over for the Warriors the remainder of the game, as sophomore quarterback Nolan Chmiel tacked on the final touchdown with a 16-yard run.

“Our ability to score is pretty amazing,” said senior Alex Vogt. “We have some great playmakers and some guys on the outside who are very good red zone threats.”

Already limited in numbers with 21 players making the trip, Jennings slowly succumbed to injuries and fatigue.

Senior Caleb Strauss hauled in a pair of catches for 12 yards, three other receivers snagging one pass each.

Sophomore Logan Dowd had another productive night on the ground, running for 76 yards on eight carries.

Warrenton will host Winfield Friday for Homecoming.

“As long as our defense continues to execute, we can end the regular season 8-1,” said Wiltsch.