Seniors Shine In Warsaw Win
FORT WAYNE – The senior members of the Warsaw football team proved Friday night that they really did want to practice another week.
The Tigers, led by its large senior group some 23 strong, earned the right to play in November with a dominating display in every facet of the game to post a convincing playoff win.
Star senior tailback Tristan McClone led the way as Warsaw’s senior class claimed its’ first-ever sectional win by flattening Fort Wayne Northrop 40-20 at Spuller Stadium in a Class 6-A sectional opener.
The Tigers, whose last sectional win came in 2009, will travel to Fort Wayne Carroll (8-2) next Friday night to play for a sectional championship. The Chargers hammered Homestead 49-7 Friday night.
“This is a great win and there’s lots to be happy and excited about tonight,” said Warsaw coach Phil Jensen. “But, we want more. These kids want more.
“We came out ready to play tonight and everyone was doing their job. We played solid in every phase of the game and that’s what we need to do. When everything is clicking for us, this is what happens.”
McClone, Warsaw’s hard-nosed tailback, was outstanding again Friday night. He tallied four touchdown runs in the opening half as the Tigers led 33-0 at intermission. McClone finished the night with 24 carries for 117 yards, all in the opening half. He now has 1,418 yards and 18 touchdowns this season after setting the single-season rushing record a year ago with 1,718 yards.
“It’s pretty awesome to win our first sectional game, but we can’t be content,” said McClone after the win. “We want to leave a legacy as seniors and win a sectional championship.”
Warsaw, now 7-3, bounced back in a big way after a 28-0 loss at Concord last week.
The Tigers manhandled the Bruins, who finish at 2-8. Warsaw scored twice in the opening period on a 17-yard run by McClone and then a 64-yard pitch and catch from Austin Head to Seth Fouts.
Warsaw put the game on ice by halftime on a trio of touchdowns by McClone in the second quarter. His first came after a key interception by senior Gabe Furnivall deep in Tiger territory that he returned all the way to the Northrop 47.
“I just saw the quarterback’s eyes and then cut him (the receiver) off and then it was off to the races,” said Furnivall of his pivotal pick. “We did not underestimate Northrop. We knew we had to shut their offense down. It’s relief to win, but our eyes are on Carroll.”
The Tigers made it 40-0 in the third period when sophomore Tyler Packard scored on a six-yard run.
The host Bruins scored three meaningless touchdowns in the second half, including the final one with 36 seconds to play long after the final outcome had been decided and Jensen had emptied his bench.
Warsaw rushed for 243 yards in the win, led by McClone. Senior Tanner Balazs had three carries for 57 yards, senior fullback Jason Taylor eight for 27 and Packard eight for 20.
Senior quarterback Austin Head turned in a strong performance for Warsaw. He was 4-5 passing for 134 yards with senior Fouts making two grabs for 108 yards.
“Everyone played their role for us tonight,” Jensen said. “Austin hit some big passes and Seth had a big game. Coach Hueber had our defense dialed in. Gabe had a big pick. What a performance by everyone.”
“A great win.”