WCMS Warriors secure playoff spot with big 54-20 win

The White County Middle School Warriors are headed to the playoffs. There is still one game left on the regular season schedule, but with Thursday’s 54-20 win over Dekalb County, the Warriors are guaranteed a spot in this year’s playoffs.  

“That was a big win, beating the defending conference champions,” Warrior head coach Aaron Brown said after the game.   

Before the season began, Brown had expressed his confidence in this year’s middle school team despite their inexperience.  

“The goal is always to make the playoffs. You can catch fire in the playoffs,” Brown had said. “We are as talented as anyone in the conference. By the time these guys get some experience, they will be right there with the rest of the teams we compete with.” 
 
And he was right. On Thursday night, the Warriors rushed for 433 yards against a team that won it all last year. Tate Pinion had 180 yards and two touchdowns while Jack Dicus, playing in just his sixth ever game of football, had 213 yards and five touchdowns. Haskel Simmons added another 40 yards and found the end zone for several two-point conversions to add to the Warriors’ side of the scoreboard.  

“We had an incredible night running the ball,” Brown said. “It was probably the best rushing game we have had in five years.”

The Warriors were strong on the defensive side of the ball as well. Ryder Staggs had a good night with multiple big hits to stop the Dekalb offense. Sam Carpenter had an interception that thwarted a two-point conversion attempt, and then Eston Humphrey stole any hope Dekalb had of making a comeback late in the game as he intercepted the ball to seal the White County win.  
 
The Warriors have one more home game, on Thursday, September 18, against another district opponent, Cumberland County. The playoffs are scheduled for September 25 with the district championship to be played on October 2.