Thompson pulls away from Central-Phenix City for 41-14 win in AHSAA Kickoff Classic
PHENIX CITY, Ala. — Thompson opened the 2026 high school football season with another win over Central-Phenix City, but this time the Warriors left little doubt.
After a back-and-forth first half, Thompson scored 27 unanswered points and pulled away for a 41-14 victory over Central on Thursday night in the 20th annual AHSAA Kickoff Classic at Garrett-Harrison Stadium.
The season opener brought together two programs that have become familiar opponents in some of Alabama’s biggest games. Thompson defeated Central 35-34 in the Class 7A semifinals last November before going on to win the state championship. The Warriors entered Thursday’s meeting having won four of the previous six games in the series.
For a half, the latest meeting looked as if it might produce another close finish.
Thompson quarterback Trent Seaborn connected with Tanner Ehmen for the game’s first touchdown, giving the Warriors a 7-0 advantage. Central responded with an 80-yard scoring drive that ended with Zion Mabry’s touchdown run to even the score.
Seaborn put Thompson back in front with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Darion Moseley. Central quarterback Bobby Coleman answered, finding Braylen Averett for a 43-yard touchdown that tied the game at 14.
Thompson regained the lead before halftime when Seaborn connected with running back CJ Cowley for a touchdown, sending the Warriors into the locker room with a 21-14 advantage. Seaborn threw for 197 yards and three touchdowns in the opening half, while Cowley caught four passes for 90 yards.
The game changed after halftime.
Thompson took the opening possession of the third quarter and put together a 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive that consumed 6 minutes, 33 seconds. The missed extra point left the Warriors ahead 27-14, but the drive helped establish the pace for the remainder of the night.
Central was unable to answer, and Thompson quickly added to its advantage.
Facing third-and-15, Seaborn extended the play and connected with junior Dedric Kimbrough for a 39-yard touchdown. The score pushed Thompson’s lead to 34-14 late in the third quarter.
The Warriors’ defense then added to Central’s problems. Cornerback Micah Fleming intercepted Coleman to end another Red Devils possession. Thompson ran 18 offensive plays in the third quarter compared with eight for Central, allowing the Warriors to control both the scoreboard and the clock.
Thompson continued that approach in the fourth quarter.
The Warriors put together a 14-play, 78-yard drive that took another 6:17 off the clock. Cowley finished the possession with an 18-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 41-14 and effectively putting the game away. Central possessed the ball for only 3:39 during the fourth quarter.
Seaborn finished with four touchdown passes to four different receivers as Thompson improved to 1-0.
Coleman provided much of Central’s offense, completing 14 of 23 passes for 269 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Averett finished with four receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown.
The loss marked the Central debut of Cody Flournoy, who replaced longtime Red Devils coach Patrick Nix. Flournoy arrived in Phenix City after winning consecutive state championships at Jackson in 2024 and 2025.
Central entered the season after an 11-2 campaign in 2025 that ended with the one-point semifinal loss to Thompson. The Red Devils also moved from Class 7A to Class 6A for the 2026 season.
For Mark Freeman and Thompson, the victory provided a strong opening statement from the defending Class 7A champions. The Warriors won their sixth state championship in an eight-year span last season and began their title defense by turning a seven-point halftime advantage into a 27-point victory.
Thompson will return to Alabaster for its home opener against Clay-Chalkville next week. Central will travel to Pell City for its second game of the season.
pson continued that approach in the fourth quarter.
The Warriors put together a 14-play, 78-yard drive that took another 6:17 off the clock. Cowley finished the possession with an 18-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 41-14 and effectively putting the game away. Central possessed the ball for only 3:39 during the fourth quarter.
Seaborn finished with four touchdown passes to four different receivers as Thompson improved to 1-0.
Coleman provided much of Central’s offense, completing 14 of 23 passes for 269 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Averett finished with four receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown.
The loss marked the Central debut of Cody Flournoy, who replaced longtime Red Devils coach Patrick Nix. Flournoy arrived in Phenix City after winning consecutive state championships at Jackson in 2024 and 2025.
Central entered the season after an 11-2 campaign in 2025 that ended with the one-point semifinal loss to Thompson. The Red Devils also moved from Class 7A to Class 6A for the 2026 season.
For Mark Freeman and Thompson, the victory provided a strong opening statement from the defending Class 7A champions. The Warriors won their sixth state championship in an eight-year span last season and began their title defense by turning a seven-point halftime advantage into a 27-point victory.
Thompson will return to Alabaster for its home opener against Clay-Chalkville next week. Central will travel north to Pell City for its second game of the season.
