|
Tom Servo
AHSFHS Forum Member
85 Posts |
 Posted - 08/28/2026 : 00:43:21
|
For those that didnt get to see the game here are some game notes.
Looked like a really nice crowd at Warriors Stadium in Alabaster. The home stands were mostly full and Clay brought a huge crowd too. The atmosphere was set for what was expected to be the game of the year!
Clay scored on their first drive converting a 4th and 7 from Thompsons 30 and it looked like 'game on'. However, despite the score Thompson's defensive front was creating havoc for the Clay line and this was a harbinger of things to come. Thompson answered back with a ridiculous Seaborn throw of 60 yards but they missed the point after. Thompson stuffed Clay on their next series forcing a punt. Thompson quickly got down to the Clay 20 but after a penalty they turned it over on a 4th down play. Thompson stuffed Clay again on the next series forcing another Clay punt to end the first quarter. Clay Chalkville 7 Thompson 6. Seaborn had over 100 yards passing in the 1st qt.
The 2nd quarter started with Thompson at their own 45 and Seaborn promptly threw another bomb for an easy TD. Warriors 13 Cougars 7 after one play of the 2nd qt. Clay received the kickoff and returned it to their own 20. After one first down, a fumble and penalty they were forced to punt to the Thompson 15 yard line. Thompson got a quick 1st down then Clay was called for a PI and roughing the passer on the same play that pushed the ball out to the Warriors 41. The Warriors were forced to punt from midfield and the Cougs started from their own 25. Thompson quickly forced another punt and took over from their own 41. The Cougs committed another PI that gave Thompson a 1st down at the Clay 38. The Warriors converted a 4th and 8 with about 1:30 left in the half for a 1st down at the Cougs 25. Three plays later Seaborn throws a beauty into the corner of the endzone and its 20-7 Warriors with a minute left in the half. Clay completed a BOMB on their 1st play all the way down to Thompsons 35. After a roughing the passer penalty on Thompson the Cougs had it 1st down from the 10 with 29 seconds left. A holding penalty on the Cougs backed it up to the 20 with 23 seconds left. The Warriors defensive front forced a fumble on a sack of the Cougs QB and that ended the half.
Seaborn was 15-17 for 220 yards, amazing half for him.
The officiating really disrupted the momentum in the first half. There were 14 penalties called, 9 on Clay and 5 on Thompson. I'm still scratching my head trying to find some of those penalties despite rewatching the plays over and over.
Thompson received the ball to begin the 3rd quarter and of course on the first play more flags are thrown. Thompson only managed a couple first downs and had to punt. The Cougs took over from their own 24 but Thompson's defense dominated again and forced the Cougs to punt from their own 20. A bungled snap to the punter left Thompson with first down at the Cougs 26. Seaborn hands the ball off on first down and quickly Thompson is 1st and goal from the 8. Seaborn has a TD pass called back for another penalty, offensive PI, and its now 2nd and goal from the 20. The next play produces yet another flag. This time for PI against the defense and the Warriors are back to the 8 with 3rd and goal. Seaborn just misses a TD pass to the corner and Clay holds forcing the Warriors to settle for a field goal. Its now 23-7 with 5:11 left to play in the 3rd quarter. Clay couldn't do anything with it as Thompson's defense stiffens again forcing a punt. Thompson gets the ball back and starts from their own 19. Seaborn immediately throws a bomb for a TD but of course another flag and the TD is called back for ineligible receiver. After 3 unsuccessful running plays Thompson is forced to punt from their own 20 and Clay takes over from their own 27. Thompsons defense absolutely stuffs Clay on the next 3 plays and they're forced to punt. At this point the Warriors defensive line is overwhelming the Clay front. Thompson runs back the punt to the Clay 18! End of 3rd quarter its still 23-7 Warriors.
First play of the 4th quarter Seaborn throw a little fade out for a TD and the point after makes the score 30-7 with 11:54 left in the game. Clay takes the kickoff and after a few more flags Thompson picks off an errant pass and takes over at the Cougar 41. 7 plays and a couple first downs later the Warriors run it into the endzone and the score is 37-7 with 9:43 left. Its all Thompson now and pretty much game over. Clay manages to keep the ball rest of the game as Thompson starts emptying their bench. The Cougs score a meaningless TD on the last play of the game to make the final 37-13.
Lots to reflect on here but I've typed enough for now. Thompson takes the crown as "Best in State" from the Cougars and its well deserved.
|
|
Thompson 37 - Clay-Chalkville 13 Game Notes
