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SHEFFIELD, Pa. – It was fitting that a defensive battle was decided by a late turnover. Grant May’s fourth-quarter interception helped preserve a 7-6 win for the Warren Dawgs over the Warren Hogs on Sunday.
Tanner Stuart scored the Dawgs’ touchdown with a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter. After a penalty negated Blake Peterson’s conversion run, Stuart connected with Bentlee Moore on a 14-yard pass to give the Dawgs a 7-6 lead.
The Hogs started quickly on offense, as they marched down the field on their opening possession and Thayne Gourley capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. The Hogs were unable to convert the extra point attempt and settled for an early 6-0 lead.
The first half consisted of several changes in possession by both teams as the Hogs’ defense held the Dawgs offense scoreless and the Dawgs’ defense bounced back to keep the score at 6-0 heading into the half.
The Dawgs drove down the field near the end of the third quarter and got inside the red zone. However, a Collin Havers fumble near the goal line was scooped up by Cooper Nobles and returned 60 yards before Stuart made a touchdown-saving tackle. The Dawgs’ defense held strong and forced another three and out.
As the fourth quarter ticked away, the Dawgs’ offense put together a strong drive to again push towards the Hogs’ endzone. Grant May took a pitch around the right side to get down to the Hogs’ 1-yard line.
A fumbled snap under center was picked up by Stuart and he scampered to the left side untouched to knot the score at 6-6 and set up the game-winning conversion sequence.
The Hogs quickly picked up several first downs on the ensuing possession on throws from Ty Bryan to Parker Kiser. Once again, the Dawgs’ defense stepped up as Jeremiah Lyon high-pointed Bryan’s throw and came down with an interception.
The Hogs’ defense continued their strong showing by holding the Dawgs to a three and out. With just under three minutes to play, the Hogs’ offense took over near midfield.
Bryan again led the Hogs’ offense down the field, despite constant pressure by the staunch Dawgs defense.
As the clock wore down, the Dawgs’ defense sealed the win as May intercepted Bryan’s pass.
Bryan finished with 83 passing yards and 48 rushing yards. Gourley tacked on 27 rushing yards and 6 receiving yards, along with the Hogs’ lone score. Kiser gained 7 rushing yards and 37 receiving yards while Wyatt Wilson added 40 receiving yards. Jayden Richards and Tucker Sanford led the sturdy Hogs’ defense in tackles.
Stuart led the Dawgs offensively with 100 rushing yards, 49 passing yards, a touchdown run, and a PAT pass. Havers followed up with 55 rushing yards, May put up 31 rushing yards, and both Connor Smith and Blake Peterson finished with 8 rushing yards apiece. Moore finished the game with 21 receiving yards and the game-winning PAT conversion.
Defensively, Stuart led the team with 8 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 2 sacks. Nate Harris added 6 tackles. Blake Peterson and Havers had 4 tackles apiece, while Chase Raub had 3 tackles and 2 sacks. Owen Damcott also added 3 tackles.
Moore finished his day with 2 tackles and 3 pass defenses. May and Lyon each had two tackles and an interception.
The Warren Dawgs (3-1) take on the Bradford Raptors at home on Sept. 18, while the Warren Hogs will hit the road to battle the Smethport Lil Hubs on Sept. 17.
