No. 1 Thompson sinks Hoover 39-23

Alabaster, AL – The top ranked Thompson Warriors claimed their third 7A Region 3 title in four years by knocking off the previously undefeated and second ranked Hoover Bucs 39-23 Friday night at Warrior Stadium. 

The victory gave the defending state champion Warriors their third straight win over the powerhouse Bucs while securing head coach Mark Freeman’s second undefeated regular season since taking over the Thompson program in 2105.  

Hoover slips to 9-1 while locking up the 2 seed in Region 3.  

Thompson quarterback Connor Harrell finished the night with an 82.4% completion percentage, completing 28-of-34 throws for 301 yards with a pair of touchdowns and two picks while rushing for 24 yards.  Jarrett Crockett lead the Warrior rushing attack scoring three touchdowns while running for 115 yards on 19 carries.  Ryan Peppins snagged 11 catches for 69 yards while Sam Reynolds made six grabs for 63 yards. 

The Thompson offense rolled up 469 yards of offense while holding Hoover 239 on the night.  

Bucs senior signal caller Josh Lundy completed 11-of-29 passes for 114 yards with one interception.  The second quarter pick was Lundy’s first interception of the season.  Vanderbilt commit Dylen Betts-Pauley lead the Bucs on the ground with 35 yards on 10 attempts and a score.  R.J. Hamilton was Lundy’s favorite target hauling in four catches for 57 yards. 

Both teams will have the next two weeks off before kicking off the AHSAA 7A postseason.  Thompson will welcome the Grissom Tigers (5-4) to Alabaster on November 6th.  Josh Niblett’s Bucs will host the 5-4 Sparkman Senators at the Hoover Met.