White County High School Warriors come up short

The White County High School Warrior football team hosted Stone Memorial, on Sept. 8, in what was the team’s first region game of the season.

Stone Memorial, ranked fifth in the state in class 4A, came into the game with an unblemished record of 3-0, including a region win over Cumberland County. Known for their ability to pass the ball and the Warriors’ ability to run it, the game was set to be a clash of two offensive styles, with the possibility of big plays and lots of points. That being said, it seemed as if both teams approached the game wanting to feel out the other only exchanging jabs in the first quarter that ended with no score. The Warriors changed that, striking first and taking a 6-0 lead thanks to a rushing touchdown by Tripp Pinion. After a missed extra point kick, Stone Memorial answered back, running the ensuing kickoff in for a touchdown. They would add one more score right before the end of the first half taking a 14-6 lead over the Warriors.

The scoring continued in the second half with the Warriors again striking first with another Pinion rushing touchdown pulling the Warriors within 1 point, with a score of 14-13. Stone Memorial would answer back, extending their lead to 21-13 going into the fourth quarter.

Pinion would once again gash the Stone Memorial defense, with a 35 yard rushing touchdown. After failing a 2-point conversion attempt, the score was 21-19. Stone Memorial would again answer back quickly, with a passing touchdown extending their lead to 28-19 with about 10 minutes left in the ballgame. The Warriors put a drive together that culminated in Pinion finding Darvon Richmond for a 40-yard touchdown pass, pulling them within 2 points. The Warriors would then hold Stone Memorial from scoring again and got the ball back but with only a minute left. The Warriors fought hard until the end but ultimately came up short. The game ended with a score of 28-26 in favor of Stone Memorial.

Pinion ended the game with 209 rushing yards, 173 passing yards, three rushing touchdowns, and one passing touchdown. He continues to be the state’s leading rusher, already exceeding the century mark with 1,003 yards on the season which is good enough to have him ranked fourth in the nation. He is also tied for first in the state in scoring and rushing touchdowns with 15. 

This week’s Scout Team Player of the Week is J.G. Wallace. Coach Curtis Beaty said J.G. “played QB/WR/LB and did everything he could to help his teammates prepare for Stone Memorial.” We also want to highlight that he also recovered an onside kick in Friday night’s game against Stone Memorial.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Warriors who continue region play as they travel to Baxter to take on Upperman, on Sept. 15, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Upperman is currently 4-0 and ranked third in the state in class 4A.