North Judson Rides a Big Fourth Quarter to Get the Win!
Without question the rivalry between North Judson and Winamac has always been extremely intense. The intensity was on full display Friday night when the two programs met once again in this longtime rivalry. It was a night that saw flyovers, halftime drawings, turnovers, and late game heroics. There was something for everyone!
The first three quarters of the game saw both the Warriors and the Bluejays shoot themselves in the foot time and time again as turnovers and penalties took center stage at Liberty Field. The Warriors were able to take an early lead as they scored on an 8-yard touchdown run by Trent Fox in the first quarter. The Warriors punched in the 2-point conversion to take an 8-0 lead. The Brett Lambert offense and defense then began to build some steam in the second quarter as the back and forth continued, but ultimately saw the Bluejays score on a 1-yard quarterback sneak by Trey Hampton towards the end of the first half. The Jays punched in the 2-point conversion to make the score 8-8 at intermission.
The third quarter saw the same routine of both offenses and defenses showing signs of taking control with quality runs, intense tackling, and well executed line play, but no points were put on the board. The 4th quarter would see a complete change in the complexion of the game.
The Bluejays decided it was time for sophomore Cheyenne Allen to take control, and Allen embraced the responsibility. In the first half, Allen was relatively quiet, rushing the ball six times for 11 yards. The second half saw Allen’s workload increase significantly as he carried the ball 14 times for 90 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown run where the 6-1 165lb freshman showcased his breakaway speed. It was the first of multiple fourth quarter scores for the Bluejays as they outscored the Warriors 20-0 in the final stanza. On the night, Cheyenne was able to carry the ball 19 times for 115 yards and a touchdown. It was his performance on offense that earned him the Ashley Derrickson/Five Star Player of the Game on WKVI. Allen, was not a one man show, however. Trey Hampton was able to get the job done at the quarterback position, but more-so with his legs, than with his arm. The Junior quarterback carried the ball 14 times for 90 yards and had two 1-yard touchdown runs, as well as a 2-point conversion on the night, while adding 3-7 passing for 23 yards. Each of Hampton’s three pass completions went to a different receiver, as Eli Blount, Owen Frasure, and J.J. Blount all pulled in a reception. The defense was able to put points up for the Jays as well, as Owen Frasure was able to recover a Warrior fumble in the end zone to help solidify the victory for the Bluejays.
The Warriors were able to provide excitement throughout the night with a never-say-die attitude. The biggest example of what Head Coach Craig Barr wants his Warrior football program to be, came from featured running back Gabe Townsend. Townsend, who had seen an incredible workload on both sides of the ball in the first four games, showed the ideal mindset of a “team first” athlete, as he voluntarily approached Coach Barr earlier in the week, and asked if he could play on the offensive line. So #28 traded in his jersey for #54 and helped pave the way for Trent Fox, Beau Brandt, Keith Dell, and Russel Compton, who all handled the carries for Winamac.
Trent Fox was the leading rusher for the Warriors, as he carried the ball 17 times for 95 yards, which included an 8-yard touchdown run. The Winamac passing attack was effective throughout the game as Russell Compton was able to complete 10 of 14 passes for 111 yards. His 10 completions went to 4 different receivers with Trent Fox leading the way, pulling in 5 catches for 62 yards, followed by Brayden Lynch with 5 catches for 56 yards, Travis Dixon who had 2 grabs for 31 yards, and Cale Pesaresi with 2 catches for 28 yards. On defense, one of the biggest highlights for the Warriors came in the first quarter, when Brayden Lynch was able to pick off a pass by Hampton, on a drive that appeared to have points written all over it for North Judson.
Both the Bluejays and Warriors were very well prepared for the excitement at Liberty Field, and had the correct game plans coming into the game. It was North Judson’s ability to capitalize on Winamac mistakes that led to the final 28-8 score. With both teams showing tremendous growth through the first month of the season, it is exciting to think of how much farther these programs will climb as the postseason continues to inch its way closer!
