The Warrenton football team remains in control of its conference destiny, after escaping Zumwalt North with a 33-14 win on Friday.

The Warriors overcame an early deficit to move to 3-0, awaiting a pivotal GAC North matchup with Zumwalt East this week. Fans are encouraged to wear red, participating in “Red Out” night.

Against Zumwalt North the offense was productive but it took nearly an entire half for the Warriors to turn their 401 yards of total offense into points.

“They came out and really put a kibosh on the things we wanted to do early,” said coach Ken Moore. “Our offense just wasn’t executing.”

Zumwalt North jumped ahead first, taking an 8-0 lead into the second quarter. Nathan Elmy was responsible for all of the Panthers’ points, scoring on a 28-yard to begin the game.

Moore says both the players and coaching staff were slightly apprehensive about defending the triple option because of its unpredictability.

“I think any time you take on a team running the triple option, it makes you a little nervous, because it doesn’t take much of a breakdown for someone to get by and score a touchdown,” said Moore.

Zumwalt North marched deep into the Warriors’ territory again, but sophomore T.J. Lafaver upended the drive with a 57-yard interception return.

Warrenton finally breached the goal line with 2:43 remaining in the first half, as junior Austin Black bullied his way into the end zone on a 15-yard run. The Warriors regained possession soon enough to get another shot at the end zone prior to intermission. Senior quarterback Scotty Lathrop hit Nick Todd on a 21-yard scoring route with 41 seconds left in the half. The junior receiver led Warrenton with nine catches for 136 yards.

The Warriors led 13-8 at the break.

Warrenton built on its margin late in the third, when Lathrop scrambled his way in on a 15-yard run with 59 seconds left in the quarter.

Elmy answered for the Panthers, returning the ensuing kickoff for an 81-yard touchdown to pull his team to within one possession.

The Warriors extended that gap in the final period on the heels of a balanced offensive effort. Lathrop found Todd again, scoring on a five-yard reception. Black closed out the game with his second touchdown run of the night.

Senior Matt Denton helped extend the gap, hitting three out of four extra point attempts.

Lathrop exhibited another balanced showing, showing his ability to create both through the air and on the ground for the third straight week. He completed 14 of 24 passes for 200 yards. Lathrop ran for 76 yards on 10 carries.

Despite the slow start on Friday, Moore says the offense is proving it can consistently be dangerous.

“When you talk about the execution of our whole offense, we are definitely ahead of last season,” said Moore. “We are really doing a lot of things we couldn’t have done last year.”

Black led the ground attack with 96 yards on 15 touches. Todd added 29 yards on six carries.

“I think we’re diverse enough you can’t just focus on one or two kids,” added Moore.

Senior Nick Reese was able to return to the field following an ankle injury.

“Nick Reese and Austin Black both contributed running the ball, and it looks like they’re going to be a nice one-two punch,” said Moore.

Reese rushed for 29 yards on six carries but his greatest contribution wasn’t felt on offense.

“The biggest place we’re excited to have him back is on defense,” said Moore. “There was a couple of times they were able to get around us, but all of the sudden here came Nick.”

Black was also a catalyst on defense, as one of four Warriors to amass eight tackles. Justin Greene, John Jeskey and Todd each had eight takedowns apiece.

Junior Jason Bunge posted a career receiving night, hauling in four passes for 46 yards.

Moore says this Friday’s matchup appears to hold significant conference implications.

“When you look at the conference standings and what has happened so far, it looks like these are the two teams to beat,” said Moore. “It definitely sets up a nice showdown.”

The Warriors look to hold their spot atop the GAC North and vie for the school’s first-ever conference crown.

“Hopefully at the end of the week, we’ll be able to say we played our best game and have a satisfying victory to show for it,” said Moore.