A sophomore making his first varsity start had a TD catch. A senior seeing his first varsity action had a sack and a fumble recovery.

There was a brawl, a 35-yard FG that cleared the crossbar by inches, and a performance for the ages by both quarterbacks in what’s become an intense border showdown.

Warren County took advantage of three turnovers and the game-breaking talents of quarterback C.J. Taylor to earn a 30-24 win Friday night in Smithville, the first road victory for Matt Turner as Pioneer head coach.

Along the way, Pioneer sophomore Braylon Grayson hauled in a 20-yard TD catch, senior Braden Bottoms posted a sack and recovered a key fumble, and kicker Stephen Curtis made a field goal and three extra points that accounted for the 6-point difference.

Taylor grabbed the spotlight on a field filled with stars. He rushed for 255 yards and 3 TDs -- and had over 100 yards after his first three carries. He also threw for 96 yards.

DeKalb County had playmakers of its own, including dazzling QB Axel Aldino, who threw for 221 yards and was on target, and on time, with nearly all his throws.

“DeKalb County has a very good football team,” said Warren County offensive coordinator Kenny Shultz. “They made it three rounds in the playoffs last year and they might just be favored to win it all this year.”

At times, Warren County tripped over its own feet. The Pioneers committed nine penalties for 80 yards, including back-to-back encroachment penalties that gave DeKalb County a first down after the Tigers were lined up to punt on fourth-and-6, and then fourth-and-1.

“We kept our composure and stuck with the plan,” said coach Turner. “That’s what I’m proud of the most. We had times when we could have hung our heads, but we’re working hard to develop a new culture, a new mindset. Instead of pointing fingers, our kids picked each other up and we won this game. It was a big win.”

The first Pioneer score came on their first offensive play and was classic C.J. Taylor. Taylor said it was a busted play, but he ran 50 yards for the score. On his first three carries, C.J. had 2 TDs and 117 yards rushing.  

“Tackling was an issue,” said DeKalb County coach Steve Trapp. “That is a daggum good football player over there, a one-man wrecking crew at times,” he said referring to Taylor.

Warren County had some plays go its way. In the third quarter, Braylon Grayson ripped off a 6-yard run, only to have the ball jarred from his hands. It popped into the arms of Xander Lee, who ran another 6 yards with the ball.

DeKalb County scored a touchdown in each quarter, which kept the game close. DeKalb County did not account for a single point after touchdown (PAT), which limited its total to 24 points. This proved to be a decisive factor. Coach Trapp said he had been trying out a kicker from the soccer team this summer.  After the Tigers first extra point kick missed badly, Trapp decided to go for two after the subsequent touchdowns. The Pioneer defense shut down all three 2-point conversion attempts.

Asked about his kicking game, coach Trapp described it concisely, “It’s terrible.”

The two teams scuffled midway through the second quarter when the Pioneers were flagged for a facemask penalty near the DeKalb County sideline. The Tigers did not like the penalty and both teams had to be separated.

Warren County had a 21-12 lead at the half.

DeKalb County’s Desmond Nokes returned the second-half kickoff to Warren County’s 37-yard line.  DeKalb County and Warren County then exchanged fumbles and possession on back-to-back plays.

DeKalb County took over after recovering Warren County’s fumble and Aldino went right to work, connecting on a 43-yard TD pass to Travante Alexander, who raced behind the Pioneer secondary. This all happened in the first :43 of the second half.

Warren County next possession stalled when a Taylor touchdown was called back on a penalty. Stephen Curtis then kicked a 35-yard field goal to make it 24-18 in Warren County’s favor. 

DeKalb County’s next possession ended with a snap that went over the punter’s head. Warren County would eventually score on a 1-yard Taylor QB sneak that made the score 30-18. Warren County went for 2 and failed.

The tenacious Tigers answered once again. DeKalb County scored another touchdown on a 10-yard pass from Aldino to Alexander. DeKalb County went for two and failed, making the score 30-24.

Warren County moved the chains with a couple of first downs on tough C.J. Taylor runs on their next possession and ran out the clock.

Coach Turner told the team after the game that they all know who is coming to Nunley Stadium this Friday night. It’s Cannon County, a team that beat the Pioneers last year in Woodbury. 

“We all know who it is, but we don’t say that name,” said Turner.

Cannon County is coming off a loss Friday night against Walker Valley, a game that was thrown together at the last minute because Cannon County’s scheduled opponent had to cancel due to COVID.

Kickoff at Nunley Stadium is set for 7 p.m.