Devils secure playoff spot with victory

The fighting Irish of Aquinas came into Albert J. Massey Field looking to spoil the homecoming festivities for Warren County. A lot was on the line for both teams Friday night. At stake for the team that won was a trip to the playoffs. The loser would be done after the end of the regular season. Warren County proved they wanted it more with a thrilling 20-14 come-from-behind win over the Irish.

The game started slowly for both teams in the first quarter. Neither team was able to mount much of an offensive attack and the first quarter ended with no score being posted by either team.

Warren County finally managed to put points on the board at the end of the second quarter. Tay Erwin connected with Darius Jenkins for a 12 yard touchdown strike with less than 20 seconds to go in the first half. After the failed two point conversion, the Screaming Devils took a slim 6-0 lead into the locker room at the half.

Aquinas took the kick-off to start the third quarter. Four plays later, David Mysona scored on a 50 yard run to give the Irish their first points of the game. Seconds later, the Irish kicked the extra point to lead 7-6.

Warren County would answer with a twelve play drive that culminated with a 14 yard run by Dondracus Dozier for a touchdown. Warren County would fail to convert on the two-point conversion, giving them the lead by a score of 12-7.

Aquinas would score again on their next possession when Anderson completed a 25 yard touchdown pass to Collins. The extra point gave the Irish a 14-12 lead with 11:53 to go in the fourth quarter.

After holding Warren County, the Irish put themselves in position to take control of the game when Ed' Ricus Williams failed to get the punt off giving Aquinas the ball on the Warren County 14 yard line. Warren County's defense held and first year Irish head coach, Matt Lezotte, was faced with a tough decision. Aquinas had the opportunity to add to their lead with 8:12 to go in the 4th by kicking a field goal, but decided to go for it on fourth down instead. Warren County's defense held and the Devils took over the football on the 10 yard line.

Warren County began to methodically march down the field and looked to be on the way to re-taking the lead until Coby Reynolds fumbled the ball on the Aquinas 22 yard line. The Irish recovered and the hopes of many Warren County fans began to fade.

Warren County's defense once again answered the call and forced the Irish to punt. After a booming punt by the Irish punter, the Devils took over on their own 16 yard line.

Quarterback Dondracus Dozier then began to engineer a drive that reminded many of the last minute, game winning drive against Wilkinson County two years ago. With less than 40 seconds to go, Dozier connected with receiver, Cornelius Pinkston for a 55 yard touchdown pass and the victory.

The win places added importance to this week's game against the Tigers of Washington-Wilkes. The game against the Tigers will be the first meeting of the two teams since Lee Hutto, former Warren County head coach, took over the Washington-Wilkes program. The game will also be a must win for both teams if they are to finish higher than the number four seed in the state playoffs. Both teams enter the game with a 4-4 record.