An early deficit and a persistent run game were too much to overcome for the Warrenton football team during a 35-17 road defeat at Union last Friday.

The setback dropped the Warriors to 2-4, as they prepare to reenter GAC North Conference play at Winfield this week.

“We came out really flat and got behind by two touchdowns,” said Coach Steve McDowell. “We just couldn’t stop their ground game.”

Union looked to its rushing attack to score on plays of one and 23 yards, going ahead 14-0 midway through the second quarter.

“They came out in the first real true spread offense we’d seen this season, and they did a real nice job,” said McDowell. “They wore our kids down early on in the ballgame, and we just couldn’t do anything against their run game.”

The Warriors were able to move the ball to the tune of 443 total yards but struggled to finish in the red zone. Junior quarterback Caelon Weir completed 14 of 25 passes for 262 yards, but it was not until the final 18 seconds of the first half that the Warriors were able to put points on the board. Weir connected with junior Kolby Meine on a 26-yard scoring strike to pull the Warriors within a touchdown.

“Meine is a sure-handed receiver,” said McDowell. “He took about a 10-yard pass and was able to run it from there. He’s a good route runner with speed.”

Warrenton then opted for a squib kick, which resulted in a fumble by Union and subsequent 29-yard field goal by senior Shane Brosenne.

“Instead of taking a shot at the end zone, we decided to go for points on the board,” said McDowell. “It was the first field goal of his career for Shane. It’s good to know he’s able to do that whenever we need him.”

Brosenne’s boot cut the deficit to 14-10 at halftime, putting the Warriors back in contention.

But Union would rattle off another pair of unanswered rushing touchdowns to extend the gap, as the Warriors went nearly 18 minutes before again reaching the end zone. Weir managed to score on a one-yard keeper with 6:34 remaining.

While he didn’t cross the goal line, junior Quincy McRoberts was again pivotal in the Warriors’ offensive success, rushing for 133 yards on 21 carries.

“We produced offensively, but the important thing is we just couldn’t get into the end zone,” said McDowell. “We got ourselves in bad situations where we just couldn’t produce points on the board.”

Weir continues to show progress in leading the offense, this week finding Meine four times for 109 yards and connecting with Brosenne on four passes for 50 yards.

“He’s a lot more confident back there in the pocket and able to see the field a lot better,” said McDowell. “He’s got a good strong arm on him and has become better throughout each game. It’s good to have that weapon in the backfield.”

Senior Connor Tittel also helped move the ball with 64 yards on three returns, while adding six tackles. Defensively, senior Jacob Parker again led the way with nine tackles.

The Warriors await a Winfield team that has begun the season 0-6. Warrenton is currently 2-0 in GAC play and still in position to control its destiny.

“We’ve set a goal to win the conference championship, so it’s a big game for us,” said McDowell. “We’re going to see the same type of spread offense Union brought.”