AHSAA Class 6A, Region 5

2005 Record: 3-7 (0-6 Region)

The Thompson Warriors aren’t looking back. Following a difficult 2005 season that saw THS win only three games, head coach Brian Maner is working to keep his players focused on the future. The Warriors return 24 seniors to the field this season, which Maner hopes will bring the squad better leadership and strength. The Warriors will look to mix it up between the run and the pass more this season, but Maner admits the running game will play a key factor in the team’s success. Maner is excited about the effort he’s seen from his players in the offseason and looking forward to the challenges of a new season.

Quarterbacks

Junior Alan Reeves has taken most of the snaps for the Warriors under center this offseason. Reeves played backup at the position last season and Maner said he feels confident in Reeves’ ability to start for THS. Sophomore Jordan Chism and junior

David Perot provide depth.

Running Backs

Senior Adrain Marcus returns to the Warrior backfield this year as a seasoned starter. Marcus rushed for 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in his junior season and was named to the Reporter All-County Team. Senior B.J. Prince, junior Steven Ward and sophomore Sideeq Cooper will also get touches out of the backfield.

Wide Receivers

Senior split end Chris Johnson brings quickness and agility to a mature receiving corps that features four seniors and one junior. The Warriors will rely more heavily on wideouts this year after losing their two leading pass catchers from 2005, tight ends Deven Onarheim and Justin Cofer to graduation. Seniors Kurt Lingo, Justin Carter, Mugeta Mugeta and junior Brandon Abrams join Johnson as wideouts.

Offensive Line

Senior center Tyler Clark anchors an offensive line that will be charged with creating gaps for Thompson’s potent running game. Flanking Clark will be junior guards Tyler Stanley and Tosh Blackmon. Cody Dean and Cameron Horton look to start at the tackle spots.

Defensive Line

Senior defensive tackles Paul Bennette and Marcus Marzette could prove to be a difficult wall to penetrate. With seniors Jay Gardner and Josh Kendrick starting at the defensive end positions, Thompson has one of the most effective lines in the county. Juniors Tony Bivins, Quamayne Tolbert and seniors Zac Moore and Josh Wright add depth on the line.

Linebackers

Seniors Lee Walters, Tyler Birkenfield and junior Ryan Terrell will start at linebacker for the Warriors. Seniors Matt Treherne, Craig Robbins, Darius Ausmer, junior Heath Davenport and sophomores Marcus Edwards and Trace Hocutt will also see time at the linebacker position.

Defensive Backs

Seniors Jeremy Blaydoe and Collice Howard and juniors David Lucas and Judson Houston will rotate at the corner position. Chism, seniors Jason Camp and Austin Kilpatrick and sophomore Nick Jenkins will rotate at the safety position.

Kickers

Seniors Adam McKinney, Rusty Herring and Patrick Bowyer will share the place-kicking duties while Reeves, Chism and Blado can all punt for the Warriors.

2006 Schedule

Sept. 1@Florence

Sept. 8v. Hueytown

Sept. 15@Hillcrest

Sept. 22v. Jackson-Olin

Sept. 29v. Hayes

Oct. 6@Tuscaloosa Co.

Oct. 13v. Northridge

Oct. 20v. Pelham

Oct. 27@Paul Bryant

Nov. 3@Homewoo