Wearing camouflage National Guard jerseys Friday night, it was only fitting the Warsaw Tigers defended their home turf. In a Northern Lakes Conference clash with the Concord Minutemen, a final tuneup before next week’s Class 6A sectional opener against undefeated Carroll, the Tigers bent but didn’t break in a 24-21 double-overtime win. Despite injuries to standouts on both sides of the ball, Warsaw made just enough plays and was able to celebrate in the rain after senior Caleb Klusman’s 27-yard field goal. Klusman’s winning kick was set up after sophomore linebacker Mason Faas picked off Concord senior quarterback Cullen Fisher on the Minutemen’s first play in the second overtime period. In all, the Tigers recovered three of Concord’s six fumbles and came away with a pair of interceptions. “I’m so happy for these kids ... what a great win,” said Warsaw coach Phil Jensen, whose team improved to 5-4 overall and 4-3 in the NLC after snapping a two-game losing streak and extending Concord’s skid to three games. “We got to wear the National Guard jerseys, and I told the kids what a neat opportunity that was,” added Jensen. “Those people help defend our country, and we wanted to go out and defend our house. We didn’t have a lot to play for tonight, but the kids showed up ready to go.” Frustrated with back-to-back losses at Wawasee and NorthWood, the Tigers rallied from a 14-0 deficit against Concord Friday and are now 4-0 at Fisher Field this season. “We like playing here,” said Jensen. “I’m happy for the kids. The seniors don’t have to graduate without a win over Concord.” The Minutemen had won four straight meetings against Warsaw and seven of the last eight. Friday, however, belonged to the resilient Tigers, who Jensen said were without 10 players, including five starters. “Tonight was a great example of the next guy stepping up,” said Jensen. “We had 18 guys out of practice Tuesday, including 10 starters. We had 10 guys out tonight, including five starters. We had kids step up and make plays.” A 7-yard Jake Mangas pass to Brock Riley cut Concord’s lead to 14-7 with 5:09 remaining in the third quarter, while a 9-yard strike from Mangas to sophomore brother Kyle Mangas knotted the game at 14-14 with 3:19 left in regulation. Warsaw took a 21-14 lead in the first overtime session after Jake Mangas found Jeremy David for a 7-yard touchdown pass and catch. Concord, which missed a 51-yard field goal with one second left in regulation after the officials put time on the when the fourth quarter appeared to be over, responded with a 10-yard touchdown run by Matt Fragale on its first play in overtime. In the second overtime, the Minutemen got the ball first and Faas intercepted Fisher on the first play of the drive. Jensen opted for a field goal attempt on the first play of his team’s ensuing possession, and Klusman made good on the 27-yard attempt. Warsaw won the game despite being outgained 330-199 in total offensive yards. Concord had 177 yards rushing to Warsaw’s 55. While the Minutemen were able to move the ball, they were also prone to turn it over, which they did five times. “What a great defensive effort,” said Jensen. “I know we gave up a ton of yardage, but the kids didn’t give up. They bent but didn’t break. We made some huge defensive plays.” Senior Ethyn Bradley came up big for Warsaw’s defense, as he recovered a fumble and picked off a Fisher pass. Fisher completed 18 of 29 passes for 153 yards with no touchdowns and the two interceptions. Fragale led Concord’s ground game with 25 carries for 142 yards and two scores. Concord’s other touchdown came on a 25-yard interception return by Josh Emerson. For Warsaw, Jake Mangas completed 21 of 36 passes for 144 yards with three touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. With Friday night’s numbers, Mangas put his name beside two more school records. Mangas had already broke Paul Wiley’s school record for completions in a season. Friday he broke Wiley’s mark for pass attempts in a season. In 1987, Wiley was 131 of 266. Through nine games this season, Mangas is 156 of 299. With his 144 yards through the air Friday, Mangas has passed for 1,877 yards this season, breaking Ryan DeGeeter’s school record of 1,778 yards in 2002. With leading receiver Riley Rhoades sidelined again with a concussion, Riley caught five passes for 51 yards, while David made five catches for 48 yards. Matt Wilmore led Concord’s receivers with eight catches for 57 yards, while Jerrell Poindexter added four catches for 46 yards.
