Auburn RB Omar Mabson Shines in Thrilling 38-33 Upset of Alabama's #1 7A team: Central High School

Auburn RB Omar Mabson Shines in Thrilling 38-33 Upset of National No. 12 Central

By David Brent Martin

PHENIX CITY, Ala. — Auburn’s Omar Mabson delivered a standout performance Friday (Oct. 4), leading the Tigers to a 38-33 upset over nationally ranked Central in a thrilling high school football matchup.

Mabson, a sophomore running back and one of the state’s top prospects, took control of the game early, setting the tone for an offensive shootout between two powerhouse programs. At 5-foot-9, 200 pounds, Mabson has already drawn interest from Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Southern California and Kansas.

Considered an all-purpose back, Mabson is projected to be a four-star recruit by the end of the season, and his performance Friday night only bolstered that outlook.

The Tigers struck first on their opening drive, with Mabson capping off a sustained possession by breaking free for a 10-yard touchdown run. The score gave Auburn a 7-0 lead with 8:48 left in the first quarter.

Central, ranked No. 12 nationally in Sports Illustrated's top 25, quickly responded. Senior quarterback Andrew Alford connected with Davion Bennett on a slant pass, and Bennett found the end zone to bring the Red Devils within one point. However, Auburn’s special teams blocked the extra point, preserving a 7-6 lead with 4:48 remaining in the first quarter.

Auburn extended its lead shortly after. Senior quarterback Jackson Kilgore, a recruit with offers from Auburn, Ole Miss and others, hit wide receiver Peyton Plott with a precise pass for a touchdown, putting the Tigers up 14-6.

Despite falling behind early, Central showed resilience. Star running back Tristan Williams, a 5-9, 180-pound senior, powered through Auburn’s defense for a short-yardage touchdown early in the second quarter. After a successful extra point, Auburn’s lead narrowed to 14-13.

The Tigers, however, answered in stunning fashion. Facing a daunting 1st-and-35, Kilgore connected with Plott again, this time for an electrifying 79-yard touchdown. The big play put Auburn ahead 21-13 with just over eight minutes remaining in the half.

Central wasn’t done, though. Sophomore running back Donovan Crow scored from three yards out, and with the extra point, Auburn’s lead was trimmed to 21-20 heading into halftime.

The Red Devils carried that momentum into the second half. Williams showcased his explosiveness with a 30-yard touchdown run, giving Central its first lead of the game at 27-21 with 8:57 left in the third quarter.

Auburn, however, refused to back down. Mabson struck again, this time catching a 50-yard touchdown pass from Kilgore to reclaim the lead, 28-27. The Tigers added a 34-yard field goal by Joseph Daniel, extending their advantage to 31-27 with three minutes left in the third.

Mabson sealed the win with a determined 14-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter. Auburn's defense held strong, despite Central’s Tristan Williams adding a late touchdown to bring the score to 38-33.

The Red Devils failed to convert a two-point attempt, leaving Auburn with a narrow lead and just over four minutes to play.

The Tigers ran out the clock to secure the upset victory, improving to 6-0 on the season and handing Central (5-1) its first loss. Mabson finished the game with two rushing touchdowns and one receiving. Kilgore passed for three touchdowns, two of which were caught by Plott.

Central will look to bounce back when it hosts Carver Montgomery (5-1) on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. for it's Homecoming. Undefeated Auburn will face Smiths Station (3-3) at home on the same night.