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AHSAA 7A Championship Game First Half Recap

Birmingham, AL – The Thompson Warriors jumped out to a commanding 24-0 first half lead to open the AHSAA Class 7A title game at Protective Stadium, despite standout quarterback Conner Harrell being sidelined early after completing 3-of-4 passes for 57 yards.  Back up quarterback Zach Sims replaced the North Carolina commit and lead the defending champs to a pair of first quarter scores, the first, a 24 yard strike to Deuce Olive followed by a 26 yard touchdown toss to Justin Pegues.   

The Warriors capitalized on a Red Devil fumble at midfield midway through the second quarter as Trevor Hardy split the uprights from 37 yards out.  

Harrell returned late in the second period, connecting with Ryan Peppins for six yard score to extend the Thomson lead to 24-0. 


Three personal foul penalties following the Thompson touchdown placed the ball at the Central 15 yard line.  Central covered the short kick to cap the first half of play. 

Harrell finished the first half with 122 yards through the air, completing 6-of-10 passes, including a 47 yarder to Peppins.  Sims completed 3-of-5 passes for 70 yards and a pair of scores.  Justin Pegues rolled up 18 yards on the ground on five carries.  Peppins lead the Warrior receiving corps with a pair of catches for 53 yards, Pegues and Oliver each had touchdown grabs.  

Red Devil quarterback Caleb Nix capped the opening half with 49 yards passing, completing 4-of-15 passes and was sacked twice.  Jaimel Johnson ran for 52 yards on 11 attempts while hauling in one catch for 19.  

Brant Berry

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Brant is the Founder & CEO of PrepsNet Inc. Reach out to him at [email protected]