Thompson Secures Eighth Straight Championship Berth with 35-34 Victory Over Central-Phenix City

November 22, 2025

PHENIX CITY, AL – Mark Freeman’s Thompson Warriors are heading to the AHSAA Class 7A state championship for the eighth consecutive season after a dramatic 35-34 semifinal win overCentral-Phenix City on Friday night at Garrett-Harrison Stadium. A game-saving defensive stop in the final minute sealed the victory for the defending state champs.

The game’s pivotal moment came with less than a minute remaining. After scoring a touchdown to pull within one point, 35-34, Central-Phenix City chose to attempt a two-point conversion for the win. Thompson cornerback Junior James thwarted the attempt, tackling the receiver at the goal line to preserve the Warriors’ narrow lead.

Thompson’s defense was a deciding factor throughout the contest, forcing six turnovers. Free safety Damonte Tabb was instrumental, recording three interceptions against Central quarterback Bobby Coleman.

The Warriors established a significant 35-14 lead early in the fourth quarter after a 53-yard rushing touchdown by Urijah Casey. However, the Red Devils mounted a furious comeback.

Central’s rally began when Coleman scored on a run, cutting the deficit to 35-21. Momentum shifted further when a Thompson fumble was recovered by Central linebacker Brennan Core, who returned it for a touchdown, making the score 35-28. Following a defensive stop, Central scored again on a touchdown pass from Coleman to JJ Joiner with 53 seconds left, setting up the decisive two-point conversion attempt.

Offensively for Thompson, junior quarterback Trent Seaborn threw two touchdown passes in the first half, connecting with Darion Moseley and Mehkii Billingsley. The ground game also contributed significantly, with RJ Evans scoring two rushing touchdowns and Casey adding another.

For Central-Phenix City, Coleman was involved in all five of his team’s touchdowns, throwing for three and running for two.

Thompson will now face Opelika in the 7A state championship game on December 3 in Birmingham. Opelika advanced by defeating Auburn 31-28 in the other semifinal matchup.