Warren Central had one of the longest plays in Red Carpet Bowl history, but two interceptions returned for touchdowns thwarted the Vikings as Pearl rolled, 41-6.

The Pirates (1-0) got an 18-yard interception return from freshman Jeremy McLaurin on the first play from scrimmage in the second half to turn a one-score game into a 20-6 lead. Safety Evan Osborne’s 80-yard pick six in the fourth quarter sealed a season-opening win.

Despite the loss, Warren Central coach Josh Morgan took notice of his team’s improvement over last season.

“We’re a better team this year,” Morgan said. “We let this one get away from us. We’re right there at the half and then they get the pick six. We need to get a better handle on protecting the ball. We had four turnovers and basically led to them getting some cheap touchdowns.”