August 24, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
The DeKalb County Tigers fought their way back from a 21-0 first half deficit to tie late in the game but the Warren County Pioneers rallied with two touchdowns to win 35-21 in this season opening border rivalry Friday night in McMinnville.
Turnovers plagued both teams especially in the first half.
The Pioneers got the ball to start the game and fumbled on the second play from scrimmage at the Warren County 38 yard line. But on the next play DC quarterback Axel Aldino threw an interception. Xander Lee for the Pioneers later scored on a 9 yard run. Steven Curtis added the extra point to give Warren County a 7-0 lead with 10:05 left in the 1st period.
The Pioneers extended their lead with 6:02 left in the 2nd period as La’cedrick Cox scooped up a Tiger fumble and raced 55 yards for a touchdown. The PAT by Curtis gave Warren County a 14-0 lead.
After another interception by Aldino, the Pioneers started a scoring drive at the DC 15 yard line with C.J. Taylor finding the end zone on a 3 yard run with 3:06 left in the 2nd period. The PAT by Curtis was good and Warren County led 21-0 at halftime.
The Tigers got on the board with 6:32 left in the 3rd period completing an 82 yard drive as Quarterback Colter Kilgore, in for an injured Aldino, found Isaac Knowles on an 8 yard touchdown pass. The PAT by Alan Munoz cut the Warren County lead to 21-7
DC drew closer with 8:57 left in the 4th period as Quarterback Aldino, back in the game, scored on a 5 yard run. The PAT by Alan Munoz was good and the Tigers trailed 21-14.
DeKalb County tied the game with 3:08 left as Aldino scored on a 3 yard quarterback keeper. Munoz connected on the PAT to knot the count at 21-21.
Warren County’s C.J. Taylor, in at quarterback, led the Pioneers on a go ahead drive and scored on a 36 yard run with 1:07 left in the game. Curtis’ PAT put the Pioneers back out front 28-21.
The Tigers hopes for a tying score were dashed as Warren County’s Eli Buchanan picked off a Colter Kilgore pass and rambled 70 yards for a touchdown with 17 seconds left. Curtis nailed the extra point and the Pioneers prevailed 35-21.
DeKalb County will be on the road to Upperman at Baxter next Friday night, August 30. WJLE will have LIVE coverage. Kick-off will be at 7:00 p.m.