Top ranked Thompson clinches 7A region 3 title with win over Mtn Brook
Alabaster, AL – The No. 1 ranked Thompson Warriors (8-0, 6-0) claimed the 7A region 3 title with a 33-21, come from behind, win over the No. 5 Mountain Brook Spartans (7-1, 5-1) Friday night in front of a capacity crowd at Warrior Stadium.
After trailing for the majority of the contest, the Warriors rallied in the bottom half of the fourth quarter to secure home field advantage in round one of the 7A postseason.
This marks the ninth region crown in Thompson football’s 87 year history and the second in the Mark Freeman era.
.@WARRIORNATION20 RB Jermel Gaiters strolls into the end zone to tie the score at seven vs @MtnBrookFTBL
9:46 left in 2nd quarter in the battle of the Class 7A unbeatens.@AHSAAUpdates pic.twitter.com/9suwjJG3RL — Rick Karle (@RickKarle) October 19, 2019
The Warrior comeback began midway through the fourth when senior quarterback Sawyer Pate connected with Sam Reynolds for a 59 yard score nodding the game at 21 apiece with just under seven minutes to play. Following a Spartan three and out, Jermel Gaiters bolted into the endzone from seven yards out putting the Warriors on top by six. On the Spartans next possession, Thompson’s Ja’Vone Williams pick off a Sam Higgins to Strother Gibbs halfback pass on 4th and 6, returning it 63 yards for a score sealing the win and the region crown for the Warriors.
Thompson signal caller Sawyer Pate finished the game with 240 yards and a pair of scores, completing 17-of-24 throws. Jermel Gaiters lead the Warrior rushing attach with 103 yards on 13 carries a pair of touchdowns.
Mark Freeman’s Warriors travel to Hewitt-Trussville (5-4, 2-4) next Friday night to closeout region play. Mountain Brook welcomes fourth ranked Hoover (7-1, 5-1) to Spartan Stadium with the winner taking the No. 2 seed in 7A region 3 heading into the postseason.
