Thompson knocks off Oak Mtn. in region showdown

Alabaster, AL – The Thompson Warriors (3-1) christened their new stadium with a 35-21 win over the Oak Mountain Eagles (1-2) Friday night in Alabaster.   

After a scoreless first quarter, senior running back Shadrick Byrd capped a Warrior drive with a 10 yard touchdown run five ticks into the second period.  Freshman standout Evan Smith put the Oak Mountain on the board on the next Eagles possession, capping the drive with a score from inside the Warrior five. 

Thompson receiver Michael Pettway put the Warriors back on top six plays later hauling in a Tagovailoa pass from the Eagle 16.  Smith returned the favor three minutes later paying off a 10 play drive with a four yard rushing touchdown.  

Pettway put the Warriors back on top three minutes before the break hauling in a 47 yard Tagovailoa pass.  

Thompson carried a 21-14 advantage into the locker room.  

Two minutes into the third, senior running back Shadrick Byrd snagged a 45 yard scoop and score, this second of the night to give the Warriors a two score advantage.  

Oak Mountain struck back a few ticks later with as receiver Sam Johnson grabbed an Evan Smith pass and bolting into the endzoone from 80 yards out.  Thompson’s Antonio Bonham capped the scoring midway through the fourth, hauling in a 49 yard Tagovailoa pass giving the Warriors a 35-21 home opening victory.  

Oak Mountain freshman quarterback Evan Smith completed 3 of 7 passes for 84 yards and a score while rushing for 237 yards and a pair of TD’s.  

Tagovilova passed for 507 yards, completing 31 of 42 throws and four scores.  Kyle Smoak lead the Warrior receiving corps with 11 grabs for 162 yards while Michael Pettway ran for 143 yards on 23 attempts.  

Thompson travels to Northport next week to take on the Tuscaloosa County Wildcats.  Oak Mountain welcomes the reigning 7A state champion Hoover Bucs to Herdmont Park.