ADAIR - The Adair Warriors suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Vian Wolverines Friday night, but they may have earned the respect of the rest of Class 2A.

Vian is a perennial powerhouse, and the Warriors are a program on the rise. That program on the rise showed they can play with the big boys Friday.

One thing that shows that Adair is ready to take the next step is that they don’t quit and battle back. The Warriors were down by 14 in the first quarter to the high-

powered Wolverines, but responded with a 20-point second quarter. Lesser teams would have folded under the pressure.

When they fell behind by in the fourth by one point, they grabbed the lead right back.

However, Vian was able to do just enough to come out with a 28-26 victory.

The game didn’t start well for the Warriors as an interception by John Jumper was returned 25 yards for the opening score. Chris Peoples added the extra point and Vian quickly led 7-0.

On Adair’s next drive, Vian forced a fourth down, and a snap over the punter’s head gave Vian great field position. Four plays later, Dylan Taylor scored from eight yards out to make the lead 14-0.

Adair finally got the big play they need on their third possession of the second quarter. Luper found Michael Fraley for a 70-yard touchdown pass that got Adair on the board.

On the first play of the next Vian drive, Mason Hudson forced a fumble and Logan Crawford recovered it to give Adair the ball back. A big run by Taylor Woods set the Warriors up at the one and Luper punched it to make it 14-12.

Adair got the ball back again with not a lot of time left in the first half. A big pass play from Luper to Whiteley put Adair in Wolverine territory. After two penalties, Adair had one more play in the half. Luper found Vern Barnes for a 30-yard touchdown as time expired. Fraley added the two-point conversion and Adair took the lead into the half at 20-14.

The Wolverines took their second drive of the second half 70 yards on 14 plays to get the lead back. Taylor scored from four yards out to make the game 21-20.

Early in the fourth quarter, Kolin Harris recovered a Vian fumble and put Adair in business. Eight plays later, the lead went back to Adair as Luper scored from a yard out to make it 26-21.

Vian went 3-and-out, but an Adair fumble on their next drive gave Vian great field position. A few plays later, Taylor scored his third touchdown with an 11-yard run.

Adair got deep into Vian territory late in the fourth, but a fourth down attempt came up short. Vian was able to pick up a first down and run out the clock for the win.

Adair will face another tough test next Thursday as they travel to Keys. It will be a key game to decide who makes it into the playoffs. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.