Veterans built an early double-digit lead, but Warner Robins took control in the second half and rallied for a 34-23 victory.
Veterans opened the scoring with 5:31 remaining in the first quarter when J.L. Kessler connected on a 28-yard field goal, giving the Warhawks a 3-0 lead.
On Warner Robins’ next possession, Deric Ingram Jr. intercepted a pass and returned it to the Demons’ nine-yard line. One play later, Lee Stewart Jr. scored from nine yards out, and Kessler added the extra point to put Veterans ahead 10-0.
Warner Robins later drove inside the Veterans 10-yard line but lost a fumble, allowing the Warhawks to preserve their lead.
Following an extended lightning delay, the Demons finally broke through. AJ Alexander scored on a five-yard touchdown run, and Jabez Htoo added the extra point to cut the Veterans lead to 10-7 with 5:03 remaining in the first half.
Veterans answered immediately.
Tylan Glover returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, and Kessler’s extra point sent the Warhawks into halftime with a 17-7 advantage.
The second half, however, belonged to Warner Robins.
With 6:49 remaining in the third quarter, quarterback Chandler Dyson connected with Ethan Adside on a 44-yard touchdown pass. Htoo’s extra point pulled the Demons within three at 17-14.
Warner Robins took its first lead early in the fourth quarter after a 79-yard scoring drive. Dyson broke free for a 43-yard touchdown run, giving the Demons a 20-17 advantage with 10:09 remaining.
The Warner Robins defense then created another scoring opportunity when AJ Alexander pressured the quarterback and forced a fumble. The Demons recovered deep in Veterans territory, and Khari Ptomey scored from two yards out on the next play. Mason Wade added the PAT, extending the Warner Robins lead to 27-17.
Veterans refused to go away, answering with another explosive special-teams play. TJ Ward was credited with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 27-23 after the extra-point attempt was unsuccessful.
Warner Robins responded one final time.
Following a strong kickoff return, the Demons took possession at the Veterans 28-yard line. Khari Ptomey scored on a 22-yard touchdown run, and Wade added the extra point to close out the scoring.
FINAL: Warner Robins 34, Veterans 23
After trailing 17-7 at halftime, Warner Robins outscored Veterans 27-6 in the second half to complete the comeback victory. The Demons host Northeast (Macon) next week at home.
