By Derrick ForsytheRecord Staff WriterOutmatched against a more physical team that slowly imposed its will on a muddy field that proved difficult to navigate, the Warrenton football team still managed to earn the approval of its veteran head coach.Steve McDowell says the breaks just didn’t roll in the Warriors’ favor during a 35-17 setback at Mexico that brought the season to an end in the Class 4, District 7 semifinals.“The kids played hard,” said McDowell. “The score doesn’t justify what our effort was on the field. We knew coming in that it would be a tough game, and we just couldn’t quite get it done.”The Warriors played from behind all night, immediately facing adversity after turning the ball over deep in their own territory. Mexico cashed in on a 15-yard run to go ahead 7-0, but the Warrenton offense sustained a 70-yard drive two possessions later to stay in contention. Senior quarterback Braydan Chmiel snuck in from 1 yard out, deadlocking the game midway through the first quarter.Mexico was persistent, scoring on its own quarterback keeper moments later. The Bulldogs then turned to their special teams, returning a punt 69 yards to close out the first period ahead 21-7.“It seemed like as soon as we would make some good things happen, they would catch another break and take advantage,” said McDowell.Warrenton held its host scoreless in the second quarter, inching closer on a 26-yard field goal by senior Dillen Mayfield. The Warriors trailed 21-10 at halftime.They pulled to within one possession early in the third quarter, when senior Hunter Russell hauled in a 40-yard touchdown pass from Chmiel, who finished the game 16 of 26 with 215 yards.“Once again, we were right there battling,” said McDowell, whose team experienced success through the air. Russell snagged five passes for 87 yards, while senior Jacob Abel hauled in eight receptions for 99 yards.But as rain began to diminish field conditions, McDowell says his team struggled to maintain its footing in the rushing game. Meanwhile, Mexico’s heavier-bodied fullback Karsten Eckern was able to anchor down and found his way into the end zone on a 22-yard run.“Our backs are a lot smaller, so it was difficult for our guys to cut and stay on their feet,” said McDowell. “It wasn’t nearly as tough for Eckern, who has a strong center of gravity. That really helped them out.”Warrenton went to Jacob Null in more of a power running game but couldn’t turn the possessions into points during the final quarter, when both teams went scoreless. Null and Chmiel were the only Warriors to finish with positive yardage in the rushing department, with 16 and 56 yards, respectively.“We just couldn’t finish off some of the drives,” said McDowell. “We had another opportunity early in the fourth quarter and didn’t capitalize, even ending up on the 1-yard line once.”Mexico carried a 35-17 advantage into the fourth period after tacking on a 1-yard run. While much of the concern going in centered around stopping Eckern, his threat ended up being relatively limited with 53 yards on nine carries.“Defensively, our kids really played their positions well and tackled well,” said McDowell. “We forced a couple turnovers and gave ourselves some opportunities there.”Sophomore Brenden Smith led that attack with eight tackles, while Null added seven stops. Alex Vogt and Chris Vogt each recovered a fumble.Warrenton finished the season 6-5, winning a district game for the first time since 2010.“Our main goal was to get to Week 11 and finish among the top 4 in our district,” said McDowell. “We competed in a very tough district. I told them they’ve got nothing to hang their heads about. It was one of the better efforts we’ve given all season.”Warrenton