Warriors Set Single Game Scoring Record for Freeman Era in 68-7 Performance Against Eagles
At times, it appears the Thompson Warriors are merely competing with themselves.
Mark Freeman’s bunch rang up three touchdowns in the first three minutes of their region match with Oak Mountain and the white hot start led to the most points scored in a single game in the Freeman era. The Warriors used a punishing run game and led by 42 before the Eagles touched the scoreboard en route to a 68-7 road victory.
Only the 2021 version of the Warriors were more prolific, averaging 45.4 points per game. However, this year’s squad isn’t far off at 43.7 ppg and, according to Coach Freeman, their preparation during the week has been directly related to their production on Friday nights.
“They did a great job. It was a great week of practice,” Freeman said after the win. “We’ve had two really good weeks of practice back-to-back. We obviously played well last week and played well again this week.”
It’s hard to imagine a better start for the Warriors as senior running back AJ Green got to work quickly. Green broke loose for a huge 62-yard touchdown on the game’s second play and set the precedent for Thompson’s ground game from the jump.
One stop later, Trent Seaborn found sophomore Angel Jones who made a terrific leaping grab in the end zone from 32 yards out.
It was the defense’s turn next as a botched hand off send the ball dribbling into the backfield. Senior safety Kaleb Harris was the man on the spot, scooped the ball and jogged a few yards across the goal line for a shocking 21-0 lead with 8:59 remaining in the first quarter.
Zach Sims entered at quarterback next connecting with several of his receivers on the ensuing drive before throwing a strike to sophomore Colben Landrew across the middle for a TD early in the second quarter.
Thompson’s stable of backs took the reins next with sophomore Michael Dujon bowling through a hole in the line and darted 19 yards to give his team the 35-point advantage. One drive later, Green ran off another explosive touchdown on the first play. The 59-yard score nearly matched his first and finished off an epic seven carry, 176-yard half for the senior who passed 2,000 career rushing yards last week against Hewitt-Trussville.
Oak Mountain broke through for a touchdown on their next drive to end the shut out, but Dujon tacked on a thrilling 30-yard touchdown on the final play of the half to give the Warriors 257 rushing yards and four scores before halftime.
The Warriors continued the assault in the second half with quarterback Brooks Byars sending a 42-yard bomb to Pryce Lewis who had a 50-yard kickoff return earlier in the night. Byars also hooked up with Angel Jones from 35 yards for their second touchdowns of the game.
Green’s 176 yards were a season-high for the senior with Dujon finishing with 71 yards on nine carries. Both backs added two touchdowns to their season total. Byars led all QBs with 77 yards and two scores while Jones led the receivers corps with season-highs in yards (78) and touchdowns (2). Sims finished a perfect 4-4 passing for 39 yards and a TD.
Thompson (6-1, 5-0) will attempt to seal their fourth region championship since 2017 next week on Senior Night as they host Tuscaloosa County Friday, Oct 20 at 7 p.m.
