Central-Phenix City and Thompson Face Off in High-Stakes Class 7A Semifinal

November 19, 2025

Central-Phenix City Hosts Thompson in Semifinal Showdown

MONTGOMERY, AL – The rivalry between Thompson and Central-Phenix City has become one of Alabama high school football’s most anticipated matchups. Since their first meeting in the 2018 AHSAA Class 7A Championship, these two powerhouse programs have faced off five times—each in the state title game. This Friday, however, the stakes are just as high, but the setting is different. For the first time, the teams will meet in the semifinals at Garrett-Harrison Stadium in Phenix City, marking a pivotal moment in the 2025 AHSAA playoffs.

Thompson (9-3) and Central-Phenix City (11-1) have built a fierce rivalry, with each game carrying championship implications. Central head coach Patrick Nix emphasized the challenge ahead:

“You have to excel in all three phases of the game—every snap, every play. Thompson is a great team, and this will be a tough test.”

A Rivalry for the Ages

Thompson holds a 3-2 edge in their previous five meetings, securing Class 7A titles in 2019, 2021, and 2024. Central claimed victories in 2018 and 2023, including last year’s championship win. However, Thompson avenged that loss with a 21-7 victory in the 2024 title game, solidifying their dominance with five championships in the last six seasons.

This semifinal clash is the marquee event of the third round of the 2025 AHSAA playoffs, which features 26 games across the state. The winner will advance to the Super 7 Class 7A Championship at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. They’ll face the victor of the other semifinal between Auburn (10-2) and Opelika (9-3), set to take place at Duck Samford Stadium in Auburn.

Broadcast Details

The matchup is the AHSAA TV Network/Alabama Public Television/WOTM TV Playoff Game of the Week. The game will also be live-streamed for NFHS Network subscribers. WOTM TV, which has produced the AHSAA Game of the Week series since 2019, will handle production, with Vince Earley as executive producer. Commentary will be provided by Mickey Shadrix and Coach Rick Rhoades, with Chris Blacksher reporting from the sidelines.

The AHSAA TV Network pre-game show, co-hosted by Chris Blacksher and columnist Kevin Scarbinsky, will air live from 5-6 p.m. on Alabama Public Television. A delayed broadcast will follow from 6-7 p.m. on WOTM.tv and the NFHS Network, leading up to kickoff.

Season Highlights and Key Players

Since 2018, either Thompson or Central has claimed the Class 7A title every year. Central enters Friday’s game undefeated against in-state opponents, with their only loss coming against national powerhouse IMG Academy (FL) in September. The Red Devils are riding a six-game winning streak and boast the Region 2 championship title.

Thompson’s three losses this season—against Grayson (GA), Class 6A No. 1 Clay-Chalkville, and Hoover—were by a combined eight points. Head coach Mark Freeman has built a dynasty at Thompson, leading the Warriors to five state titles since 2019 and eight consecutive championship game appearances. Freeman’s career record stands at 278-63 over 27 seasons, including 114-26 at Thompson.

Central’s Patrick Nix has also established himself as one of the state’s top coaches, with a 131-35 career record. At Central, he’s 65-13, including a perfect 13-0 season in 2023 that culminated in a Class 7A title. Nix has guided his teams to four championship appearances since 2017 and has won at least 10 games in nine of the last 10 seasons.

By the Numbers

Central’s Offense: Leads Class 7A with 45.2 points per game.
Thompson’s Defense: Tops Class 7A, allowing just 11.5 points per game.
Thompson’s Offense: Ranks third in Class 7A, scoring 38.6 points per game.
Central’s Defense: Allows 20.3 points per game.

Star Signal Callers

The game will showcase two of Alabama’s elite junior quarterbacks:

Trent Seaborn (Thompson): The Alabama commit has completed 233-of-317 passes for 3,200 yards, 30 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He’s also rushed for five touchdowns.
Bobby Coleman (Central): Uncommitted but highly sought after, Coleman has completed 155-of-249 passes for 2,815 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. He’s also rushed for one touchdown and is drawing interest from Auburn, Kentucky, Liberty, and others.