In what was White County’s most important game of the year, the Warriors came up just short against the Denmark Danes, losing 28-21.

Denmark took control of this game almost immediately. On their first offensive play, they scored on a 74 yard rushing TD, immediately gaining a 7-0 lead. For the Warriors, this complete killed their spirits early on. They were unable to gain any momentum on offense, going 3 and out on two straight drives. Meanwhile, Denmark would once again score later on in the 1st quarter to take a 14-0 lead. However, it was at this point that the Warriors began to play well on both sides of the ball.

Jesse Moose tackling Denmark’s QB for a sack

White County would score near the end of the 1st quarter with a 26 yard TD pass from J. Ben Haynes to Jesse Thomas. On defense, they were able to dominate in the second quarter. A big factor in this was the return of Jesse Moose, who had missed last weeks game with injury. He made a key sack early in the 2nd quarter which brought the home stadium on their feet. Multiple players on defense were making their mark, including Zion McMullen who had his best defensive game yet with multiple important tackles throughout the night. Both offenses were at a halt in the second quarter, and the first half would end with Denmark leading 14-7.

Both offenses began to play better in the second half.

After White County went 3 and out to begin the second half, Denmark once again found their way into the end zone, as their RB Zach Ogbogu scored on a 58 yard TD. The Warriors had a hard time completing tackles in the second half, as the Danes were able to consistently break tackles. Although, the Warriors were able to rebound quickly on offense. J. Ben Haynes tossed the ball to Riley Stancil, but to the surprise of the Danes, Stancil would fire a pass downfield to Cooper Turner to easily catch for a trick play touchdown. This brought the Warriors back within 7 (14-21), and the 3rd quarter would end with the Danes driving down field.

Riley Stancil (#10) celebrating after his passing TD.

Early in the 4th quarter, Danes RB Jordan Brunson would score to extend the Danes lead to 28-14. However, the Warriors would fire back quickly. J. Ben Haynes would lead the Warriors downfield, firing off passes left and right, carving up the Denmark defense. He would connect with Cooper Turner for a 14 yard touchdown to bring the margin back to 7. Then, the Warrior defense stepped up. Big tackles from Dylan Archer and Zion McMullen fired up the Warrior crowd. Denmark would go for it on 4th down, and would fail. This gave the Warriors possession at the White County 29 yard line, with less than half a quarter remaining.

The close game would come down to one play late.

The Warriors were able to drive downfield, as Haynes continued to make plays both in the air and on his feet. Time continued to wind down, and the pressure on the Warriors to score was rising. Finally, it all came down to one play late. 4th and 3, and the ball was at the Denmark 28 with 2:05 remaining in game. Haynes fired a pass to Jesse Thomas, but it was low and went incomplete. Denmark regained possession, and ran down the clock to win the game 28-21.

For the Warriors, playoff hopes are now diminishing.

The Warriors are now in 5th place in the region, at a 1-3 record. Technically, they still have a chance, but it is small. They would have to win both of their remaining games against the 1-7 Chestatee War Eagles and the 7-1 defending state champion Blessed Trinity Titans. Also, either Flowery Branch or Denmark would have to lose both of their next games (they play each other in the final week of the season.) It’s a tough road for the Warriors, and they will have to play hard to end the season.

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