Thompson Earns Fifth Class 7A State Title in Six Years
BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Thompson Warriors demonstrated the importance of resilience, capturing their fifth Class 7A football championship in six seasons with a 21-7 win over defending champion Central-Phenix City at Protective Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Warriors (11-3), who endured three regular-season losses—each by a single point in overtime—rebounded when it mattered most. After three first-quarter three-and-outs, quarterback Trent Seaborn led three consecutive scoring drives, while the defense shut out Central-Phenix City in the final three and a half quarters.
“You lose a game or two at Thompson, people start doubting you. I don’t blame them,” Warriors head coach Mark Freeman said. “The lesson our players learned is simple: Don’t give up, and don’t let anyone tell you you’re not capable. Those three losses built this championship—they taught perseverance and character.”
Early Struggles, Strong Finish
Central-Phenix City (10-3) struck first with a 4-yard touchdown run by Daylyn Upshaw following a 68-yard, seven-play drive early in the first quarter. While the Red Devils threatened inside Thompson’s 20-yard line on three additional occasions, they left without scoring.
Trailing 7-0 after a slow start, Thompson found its rhythm. Seaborn connected with Darian Moseley for a 45-yard gain to set up a third-and-goal scenario. From the 5-yard line, Seaborn delivered a touchdown toss to Moseley, tying the game at 7-7.
The Warriors took the lead on their next possession. Seaborn broke free for a 32-yard run, setting up a Hayden McDonald’s 19-yard touchdown run, giving Thompson a 14-7 edge with 2:23 left in the first half.
Seaborn orchestrated another impressive drive before halftime, hitting Dedrick Kimbrough for 39 yards and Trenton Cheathom for 17. With just 17 seconds remaining before the break, Seaborn found Moseley again for a 12-yard touchdown strike, extending the Warrior lead to 21-7.
“The first quarter was rough, but we knew we were facing a strong defense,” Seaborn said. “We just kept grinding. We wanted to wear them down, and we did.”
Dominant Defense and Pounding Ground Game
Thompson leaned on its defense and running game in the second half. McDonald carried the ball 15 times for 104 yards, while Reginald Evans added 101 yards on 10 carries, highlighted by a 63-yard run in the fourth quarter.
The Warriors’ defense smothered Central’s offense, holding the Red Devils to single-digit points for the first time in head coach Patrick Nix’s five years at the helm of the East Alabama program. Central hadn’t been held to fewer than 10 points since a 14-13 loss to Auburn in the 2022 state semifinals.
“It hurts to finish second,” Nix said postgame. “We didn’t make enough plays to win, and they did.”
Historic Achievements
This victory secures Thompson’s fifth Class 7A championship in six seasons, avenging last year’s 21-19 title game loss to Central-Phenix City.
Head coach Mark Freeman now has seven AHSAA state titles under his belt—five with Thompson (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024) and two with Spanish Fort (2012 and 2013). Freeman’s achievements tie him with Fyffe’s Paul Benefield at seven titles, one behind the all-time record held by UMS-Wright’s Terry Curtis and Central-Clay County’s Danny Horn. Freeman also earned four Alabama Independent School (AISA) state championships during his 10 year run a Bessemer Academy from 1998 to 2007.
Key Performances
Championship game MVP Darian Moseley caught four passes for 61 yards and both of Seaborn’s touchdown throws. Seaborn finished 9-of-17 for 129 yards, while avoiding sacks but throwing a fourth-quarter interception.
On defense, senior standout and Auburn University signee, Anquon Fegans delivered 7.5 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Cam Pritchett added 1.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles.
Central-Phenix City’s Upshaw hauled in nine catches for 129 yards, while quarterback Andrew Alford completed 18-of-26 passes for 226 yards but was sacked four times and threw one interception.
What’s Next?
The AHSAA Super 7 continues Thursday with the Class 3A, 1A, and 5A championships at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m., respectively. The action concludes Friday with the Class 4A, 2A, and 6A title games.
