Central comes up short this year, loses 7A State Championship to Thompson

By David Brent Martin and Kirsten J. Barnes

BIRMINGHAM – In a clash of titans that lived up to the hype, Thompson High School secured the 7A state championship with a decisive 21-7 victory over Central-Phenix City. The game, played at the storied Protective Stadium, was a showcase of elite talent, strategic brilliance and a relentless pursuit of victory.

Before the game was played there was much speculation about whether the Red Devils, coached by Patrick Nix, could deliver a repeat as the defending state champions.

"Sports enthusiasts: think about this, once again, Central High School’s boys football team and girls flag football team will be playing for the state championship. History has already been made by them both winning last year and now they will have a chance to create something that will probably never ever be duplicated again when both win their respective state championships," said radio personality Micheal Muhammad, who has a son who plays on the boys team.

However, this was not to be the case. The girls made a repeat, but the guys fell short after striking first, lighting up the scoreboard with a methodical drive capped off by a dazzling 4-yard touchdown reception by Daylyn Upshaw.

The electric play ignited the Red Devils' faithful, giving them an early 7-0 advantage, as thousands of Central fans braved the cold to cheer on the team, including Denver Bronchos Quarterback Bo Nix who watched from the sidelines. Former Red Devil and current Crimson Tide player Red Morgan and Auburn standout Cam Coleman also were on had.

However, Thompson, a team known for its resilience, responded with a vengeance. Quarterback Trent Seaborn, a maestro of the gridiron, orchestrated a surgical drive, culminating in a 5-yard touchdown pass to Darion Moseley. The score knotted the game at 7-7, igniting a back-and-forth battle that would captivate the crowd.

The Warriors weren't done yet. Fueled by their momentum, they marched down the field, with Michael Dujon breaking free for a 19-yard rushing touchdown. The score extended Thompson's lead to 14-7, giving them a crucial advantage.

Before the halftime whistle blew, Seaborn connected with Moseley once more, this time for a 12-yard touchdown strike. The precise throw and the spectacular catch extended Thompson's lead to 21-7, effectively putting the game out of reach.

In the second half, Thompson's dominant defense stifled Central's offense, forcing turnovers and limiting their scoring opportunities. The Warriors, meanwhile, methodically controlled the clock with a powerful rushing attack, wearing down the Red Devils and extinguishing any hope of a comeback.

With this resounding victory, Thompson concludes their season with an impressive 11-3 record, cementing their status as a powerhouse program. Central, despite their valiant effort, finishes their season with a 10-3 record, leaving a mark on the 7A landscape.