BROWNSBURG — No. 3-ranked Warren Central came to Brownsburg in regional football action Friday night and walked away with a 14-6 victory, but it did not come easily as the Bulldogs fought tooth and nail every step of the way.
“I’m sure nobody gave us a chance in the world going into it but our guys,” Brownsburg coach Brett Comer said. “We went toe-to-toe with what is supposed to be one of the best teams in Indiana, but we were in the final eight and we aren’t too bad ourselves. They should be very proud of where we are.”
Warren Central coach John Hart knew his team had been in a battle when it was over.
“We knew they were a really good football team,” Hart said. “We felt like we had some opportunities to separate ourselves from them but could not do it. That is a really, really good defense they have.”
Brownsburg took the opening kickoff, but each team traded punts to begin the game.
Warren held the Bulldogs to a three-and-out on their ensuing possession and needed only one play to score. Warrior running back Shakir Bell hit the hole in the middle of the line and burst 35 yards to the end zone.
Bell came in averaging 7.91 yards per carry and has totaled 2,389 yards on the season. Bell finished with 31 carries for 200 yards and two touchdowns on the night.
Brownsburg answered with a 12-play, 72-yard drive that was capped with a 9-yard run by running back Darryl Jordan. Bulldog Kyle Christy pulled the extra point attempt wide left and Brownsburg trailed 7-6 with 2:04 remaining in the first quarter.
“They like to come out and overwhelm people,” Comer said. “But that did not happen to us and as a matter of fact we were upset that we gave some opportunities away.”
Brownsburg forced a Warrior punt and began to drive, but a fumble by Bulldog receiver Charles Torwudzo turned the ball over to Warren.
Brownsburg’s defense stood strong and denied Warrior quarterback Derek Hart’s pass to Bell on fourth down.
The teams traded punts before Brownsburg regained possession with 3:11 remaining in the first half, but its drive stalled and the teams went into the half with the Bulldogs trailing by one.
Brownsburg outgained the Warriors on the ground 101-61 in the half and Bulldog quarterback Robby Robbins threw for 21 yards compared to 11 for Hart.
Brownsburg’s defense forced a three and out on Warren’s opening drive and the Warriors then returned the favor.
Warrior Howard Savage intercepted Robbins on the Bulldogs next drive and Warren began to march downfield with some momentum.
Bulldog defensive back Torrey Nibbs stopped Warren in its tracks as he made an incredible juggling interception in the end zone.
Warren forced a punt and gained good field position that resulted in a score.
Bell went over and in from 2 yards out with 9:04 remaining in the fourth quarter, gaining all 50 yards on a 6-play drive to put the Warriors up 14-6.
“He is a great football player and there is no doubt about it,” Hart said. “He deserves all the accolades, but our offensive line really came to bat.”
Warren’s line began to open up big holes for Bell to run through in the second half as he gained 139 yards on 20 carries.
“We were outmanned up front and the difference is, our kids didn’t know it,” Comer said. “So it didn’t matter. ”
Although Brownsburg drove to the Warren 17-yard line with 3:46 remaining, the Warriors stopped the Bulldogs on fourth down and ran out the clock to seal the game.
For the Brownsburg seniors it was all hugs and tears on the field after the game.
But their efforts will always be remembered as they won the first sectional title in over 20 years and provided Comer with his first winning season ever.
“They will be pretty proud of where they took us and what their contributions meant,” Comer said. “They should be extremely proud although they don’t know it yet because it hurts. This is the worst night in football when you’re done.”
