What’s been a dream season for the Warren County High School football team ended with a rude wake-up call Friday night at Nunley Stadium.

Riverdale came to town with a stifling defense to shut down the Pioneers during a 39-6 Warrior victory.

The loss drops the Pioneers to 8-1 in what’s been an otherwise fairytale season. Riverdale improves to 7-2 and edges ahead of Warren County in the fight to host a home playoff game.

A season where everything has seemed to go right for the Pioneers took a sharp turn in the wrong direction Friday. Riverdale’s shark-like defense recorded two safeties and was relentless at the point of attack.

Warren County was held to 67 yards rushing and all-world Pioneer quarterback C.J. Taylor was limited to 28 yards on 13 carries. Taylor did have the touchdown for Warren County, summersaulting into the endzone for a 3-yard score to account for the lone points for the Pioneers.

Three Pioneer quarterbacks combined to go 3-for-7 passing for 57 yards. Warren County was twice called for intentional grounding in the face of nonstop pressure in the backfield.

Big plays carried Riverdale on a night where the Pioneer defense delivered several hard licks. Linebacker Braylon Grayson was a standout with his stout defense against the run.

Riverdale QB Kade Hewitt connected on TD passes of 35 and 50 yards. Riverdale RB Brandon Connard took the first play of the second half 75 yards for a TD. Warrior receiver C.J. Johnson returned a punt to the Pioneer 2-yard line to set up another score.

The Pioneer defense did produce two big plays – an interception by C.J. Taylor and a fumble recovery by Bryson Elrod.

It was an active night for Xander Lee on special teams. He punted eight times.