5 interceptions in season opener propel Webbers Falls past Quinton

The Webbers Falls Warriors opened the season with a 44-20 victory at home against the Quinton Savages last Thursday night at Smokey Cox Stadium.

The Warriors (1-0) scored five touchdowns in the first half and had five interceptions on the night.

“Offensively, we ran the ball and threw the ball pretty well,” Webbers Falls coach Trent Holt said. “We had some busts, but that’s going to happen in the first week. Overall, I was pleased with the first week out. I am proud of them for continuing to fight.”

The Warriors opened the season starting sophomore Brutus Robinson at quarterback. On the first drive, Webbers Falls scored on a 5-yard touchdown run by Zane Nolan. Nolan also ran in the twopoint conversion try to put the Warriors up 8-0 early in the first quarter.

After a Quinton punt, Webbers Falls faced a third-and-18 where Nolan scored on a 75-yard touchdown run. Senior Aiden Turley ran in the two-point conversion to give Webbers Falls a 16-0 advantage with 3:48 remaining in the first quarter.

Quinton quarterback Bret Bray connected with Jaden West-Powell for a 48-yard touchdown to put the Savages (1-1) on the board with 2:06 to go in the first quarter. The two-point conversion failed.

Webbers Falls had a 16-6 lead after the first quarter.

After a turnover on downs by Webbers Falls, Quinton’s Trentyn Shamblin caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Bray to get the Savages within four points 16-12.

Nolan ran into the end zone from 14 yards out, and Turley converted the twopoint conversion to give Webbers Falls a 24-12 lead.

On the ensuing Quinton drive, Turley picked off Quinton quarterback’s on the first play, then Turley scored on a 4-yard touchdown run. The two-point try failed, but the Warriors still enjoyed a 30-12 lead.

The Savages faced a third-and-goal from Webbers Falls 8-yard line. Webbers Falls defender Trysten Wilbourn picked off the Quinton QB’s pass in the end zone.

Wilbourn then caught a pass from Robinson that went for 61 yards and a touchdown and a 36-12 advantage.

Robinson then recorded Webbers Falls’ third pick with 1:28 remaining in the half. The Warriors drove the ball down the field into the red zone but were unable to score before time ran out. At halftime, Webbers Falls led 36-12.

On the first drive of the second half, Quinton’s quarterback was picked off Gunner Shelby. Nolan then scored on a 6-yard rushing touchdown, his fourth of the game. Chevy Cole caught the twopoint conversion to give Webbers Falls a 44-12 lead.

Turley recorded the Warriors’ fifth interception, which came in the fourth quarter. Webbers Falls then lost fumbles on back to back drives, fumbles were recovered by Cash Hobbs and Hunter Warrior, respectively.

With 41 seconds remaining, Bray scored a 10-yard touchdown and converted a two-point conversion.

The Warriors will return to action at 7 p.m. this Thursday at Canadian, which just returned to playing 8-man football this season after being in District A-8 for the last two years with Central and Gore.

“They’re quarterback is pretty quick,” Holt said. “He runs well. They have pretty good sized linemen who get off the ball. Defensively, they tackle well. We just have to be able to control the line of scrimmage and break a few tackles.”

Holt said that he still plans blending running and passing in his team’s offensive schemes.

“I was pretty pleased (with our passing game),” he said. “We were 4-for-6 for over 100 yards. We threw it well (against Quinton). Once we get in the game, we’ll have to see how the ebb and flow goes. We’re going to try to pass the ball a little more than we usually do. We’re still going to run it.”

Holt said back-up tailback and thirdstring linebacker Dakota Moore is banged up his knee, so he likely will miss the Canadian game.