Thompson Defense Leads 3rd Ranked Warriors Past Vestavia Hills

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL – The Thompson Warriors posted three defensive touchdowns to secure a thrilling 38-17 victory over Vestavia Hills Friday night  at Thompson Reynolds Stadium. The Warriors, now holding a 4-1 record, turned the game around in the second half after trailing 17-14 at halftime.

The game began with Vestavia Hills (1-4, 1-2 in Class 7A, Region 3) recovering an onside kick and quickly capitalized with a Bruce Littleton 1 yard dive into the endzone. Owen Simpson extended the Rebel lead to 10-0 with a 21-yard field goal on their next drive.

Thompson responded with a 40-yard touchdown run by Michael Dujon, narrowing the gap with 4:53 remaining in the first quarter. The Warriors’ defense soon lit up the Buddy Anderson Field scoreboard as Jared Smith intercepted a pass from Charlie Taaffe, returning it 37 yards for a touchdown, putting the Warriors on top 14-10.

Despite Taaffe’s 1-yard touchdown run putting Vestavia back in the lead with 7:50 left in the half, Thompson regained the advantage via a  Reginald Evans’ 3-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter.

Dominating the final period, Thompson’s defense delivered two decisive touchdowns. Anquon Fegans stripped the ball from a Vestavia runner, racing 95 yards into the endzone, increasing the visitors lead to 28-17. Shortly after, Micah Fleming intercepted a Price Lamaster pass and went 45 yards to the end zone, putting the game on ice at 35-17 with 9:22 remaining on the clock.

John McGuire added a 33-yard field goal late in the game, finalizing the score at 38-17.

Despite Vestavia Hills achieving 21 first downs compared to Thompson’s 13 and outgaining them 319-253 yards, the Warriors’ defense turned the tide. Taaffe completed 9-of-16 passes for 115 yards, throwing three interceptions. William Tonsmeire led the Rebels’ rushing attack with 53 yards on 14 carries, while Noah Boylan contributed 44 yards on 10 carries.

For Thompson, quarterback Trent Seaborn completed 2-of-8 throws for 17 yards. Dujon impressed with 187 rushing yards on 15 carries, and Evans added 37 yards over eight carries.

Looking ahead, Thompson will face defending Class 6A State Champion Clay-Chalkville next week in Alabaster. Meanwhile, Vestavia Hills will take a bye week before heading to Prattville on October 4th.