BY DANIEL SCHMIDT FOR THE OBSERVER
PHENIX CITY —After defeating Thompson in last year’s Alabama High School Athletic Association 7A state championship game, this year’s rematch seemed like the perfect opportunity for Central to officially end the Warrior’s dynasty and start one of their own.
Instead, a dominant rushing attack, suffocating defense and three straight touchdown drives in the second quarter powered Thompson (11-3) to a 21-7 victory over Central (10-3) on Dec. 4 at Protective Field in Birmingham.
It is the first time in 19 years that a team in any classification has won five AHSAA state championships in six years, since Hoover did so between 2000 and 2005.
Andrew Alford completed 18 of 26 passes for 226 and an interception, Daylyn Upshaw recorded 141 total yards and a touchdown on 16 touches and Terence Jackson made six solo tackles for the Red Devils.
During the post-game press conference, Central head football coach Patrick Nix said poor offensive play calling ultimately doomed Central. The Red Devils scored seven points on three drives that ended inside Thompson’s 20-yard line.
“We didn’t make some plays, and they did. It is what it is,” Nix said. “I did a very poor job there at the end. We had multiple chances to score, and I didn’t do a good job in the red zone of getting us in the end zone. Unfortunately, we’re about three plays away from being on the other side [state champions], but those three plays matter in football.”
Despite the disappointing finish, Alford, who suited up for Central for the final time, said overcoming so many injuries and finishing third in 7A Region 2 still made this season special.
“Facing adversity throughout the year, it was special to get here with my brothers, and I love everyone on the team,” Alford said. “[We] had two losses during the regular season, and we made a run at it and just came up a little short.”
Following the opening kickoff, the Red Devils appeared poised to grab control of the game after marching 68 yards in eight plays, highlighted by Aboudoulaye Conneh’s 32-yard reception and Upshaw ‘s 4-yard TD run.
The Red Devils’ defense then matched the offense’s effort, forcing Thompson to go three-and-out on its first drive.
With the ball at midfield and 7:04 left in the 2nd quarter, Thompson’s offense finally came to life with a 45-yard pass that set up the Warriors’ first touchdown.
Thompson moved ahead 14-7 with 2:23 left before halftime.
Central was driving, following a 35-yard pass from Alford to Upshaw. However, Upshaw fumbled on the very next play.
With momentum on their side, the Warriors stepped on the gas and never looked back. Thompson was up 21-7 with 17 seconds left in the first half.
After forcing the Warriors to punt on their first possession of the second half, Central received the ball at its own 24 yard line and established some rhythm, converted three straight third downs. Yet after moving the ball down to the Thompson 11 yard line, the Red Devils failed to convert on 4th and 8.
Facing a 14-point deficit with 44 seconds left in the third quarter, Central took possession at its own 25 yard line. A failed flea flicker on 1st and 10 resulted in a fumble that lost 13 yards.
In the final quarter, the Warriors began to physically impose their will with a commanding lead and time on their side.
Central finished with 226 passing yards and 51 rushing yards for 277 total yards of offense. Thompson finished with 129 passing yards and 239 rushing yards for 368 total yards of offense.
