It was Military Appreciation night as the Warriors faced the Minco Bulldogs in a very physical contest. The game started slow as both squads had it tough early, but Jason Walker, #22 of Apache, got the ball rolling with an interception and ended the Minco drive.
Apache would get the ball and have success through the air as Herrin found big #16 and Walker twice that drive. A 4th and 2 would be converted when Minco jumped offsides on a silent count and keep the Warrior drive alive. Herrin would once again find one of his receivers, but this time in the endzone and Apache would take a 6-0 lead late in the first quarter. Herrin would set himself up for a great ball game early on as he used his athleticism and accuracy to keep the Warriors alive all night.
Minco would get the ball back and proceed with a very methodical drive that consisted of a very steady ground game. Very hard nosed and physical runs by the runningback committee of the Bulldogs. It would take bearly 6 minutes of game time and the Bulldogs would punch it in from 9 yards out and tie the game up at 6-6 with 10:56 remaining in the half.
Minco would come out firing and try the onside kick and recover. It set them up with great field position and a chance to take a lead and to add even more pressure, a passs interference was called and they were inside the Warrior 40 yard line quickly. However, the Warrior defense would stand tall and stall the drive with three huge tackles for loss and force a Minco punt.
The Warriors started the drive inside their own 15 and got caught with a 4th and 3 but would convert with a Herrin physical run to keep the drive alive. A few plays later another flag flew and went against the Bulldogs as Herrin's helmet was ripped off and that added another 15 yards for the Warriors. Apache would get all the way to the red zone and have a chance to score. Herrin rolled around and kept the play alive and tried to force it into a tight window but the ball would end up in a Bulldog's hands in the endzone for a touchback. Minco would go on to score with under a minute to go and the half would end with Minco up 14-6 over the Warriors.
The second half started the way it ended. Minco took the kickoff for a huge return to set themselves up with great field position again and find the endzone shortly thereafter, courtsey of a few penalties and mistakes from the Warrior defense and take a 20-6 lead in the 3rd quarter.
The Warriors needed a huge answer and got one from #5. Herrin and company drove down the field with flawless execution and it ended with #5 taking it in from 20 yards out with a display of athleticism and physicality to bring the Warriors within one score, 20-14 with 8:08 remaining.
Minco would do their best to return the favor and keep the ball rolling, but Apache would stand tall and intercept another pass and get the ball back deep in their own territory and try to retake the lead late in the 3rd quarter. Herrin made an unbelievable play, making Bulldogs miss and running right by defenders to get the Warriors into Minco territory. Despite his efforts, the Minco defense stood tall and made it tough and the Warriors turned it over on downs to give Minco a chance later in the 3rd quarter.
The Warrior defense would be a wall and force another Minco punt and the 3rd quarter would end 20-14, Minco with the lead. Up to this point, the game felt very close. Apache just needed two or three plays to get back into the game, but give credit to Minco as they were giving Apache everything they had. You could feel that both squads were not wanting to lose and would do all it took to get a win.
Apache would have the ball to start the final quarter but the drive would stall with a turnover on downs as the Minco defense was everywhere and on top of everything.
Minco would take the ball and score but took critical time off the clock. Once again, a steady diet of the run game seemed to give Apache fits and with 7:26 remaining, the Bulldogs would score and make it 26-14.
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The Warriors had an unreal kick return as Walker ran through several Bulldogs and get close to midfield and set the Warriors up with great field position. They would get the first down but stall and have a third and long. Herrin kept the play alive and found a receiver for the first down. They would, once again, find themselves with a third and short. Herrin took the snap and scrambled close to the first, but after a measurement the Warriors fell short and turned it over on downs.
The Warrior defense answered the bell again and would force a punt. With just under 3 minutes remaining, the Warriors knew they needed a score to have a chance at coming out with a victory. The Warriors had little success and an incomplete pass on 4th and 5 sealed the victory for the Bulldogs.
The loss puts Apache at 1-1 on the year and the Warriors will face the Merrit Oilers next Thursday in Merritt at 7:00 pm. This is the final non-district game as Apache opens up district play against the Mangum Tigers on Friday, Sept. 27th.
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