Sports
Parkersburg Surges Past Warren, 51-40
By: Justin McCauley
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Marietta College’s Don Drumm Stadium played host to some high school football Saturday night, as the Parkersburg Big Reds defeated the Warren Warriors in a shootout, 51-40.
The Big Reds, playing their home opener away from home this year because of the construction going on at Stadium Field and sporting new offensive and defensive schemes, had a lot on their minds going into the game against the Warriors. It showed during the first half, especially in the second quarter.
The Big Reds took an early 10-0 lead before the Warriors outscored them 12-7 in the second. Warren took advantage of some Big Red mistakes. Midway through the quarter, the Warriors recovered a fumble on a Parkersburg punt return, and Warren quarterback Austin Klintworth scored a touchdown on the next drive. Just before the half, Dave Ryan intercepted Parkersburg quarterback Aaron Roberts, leading to a Warrior field goal to bring the score to 17-12.
The second half took and interesting turn as play was suspended due to lighting half way through the third quarter. Coming out of the delay Parkersburg back Chandler Hamilton ran a 25-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage — his second touchdown of the day. The Big Reds recovered their ensuing onside kick attempt, and on next play, quarterback Aaron Roberts hit Dan Fox for a 35-yard touchdown pass to put Parkersburg up, 30-12. Two plays later, Fox picked off a Klintworth pass and returned it 19 yards for a touchdown to a fury of plays that amounted in 20 points in less than two minutes of play. The Big Reds brought back the momentum after a long wait in a big way as they broke a close game wide open.
Warren would not give up, though. The Warriors marched down the field on their ensuing possession and scored on a 10-yard run by Andrew Henthorn, and Klintworth tallied three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to help Warren fight back into the game, but the Big Reds scored another touchdown with 5:07 to go in the game to put them up 51-40.
The Big Reds leaned heavily on the ground game with 241 yards on 44 rushes.
“We found out that we have 5 or 6 guys who can run it,” coach Dan Reeves said. Senior Melvin Stubbs carried the load Saturday with 124 yards on 15 carries.
Klintworth ended the night leading his team in both rushing, with 114 yards on 21 carries, and passing, with 260 yards on 16-of-29 completions and 2 touchdowns.
Parkersburg has next week off but goes to third ranked West Virginia powerhouse Cabell Midland for its week three contest.
Warren travels back to Don Drumm stadium to face Marietta high school next week.