Warriors fall to Rebels in shutout
Published 1:36 am Saturday, October 25, 2008
The Thompson Warriors’ plan to spoil the Vestavia Hills’ homecoming was foiled by the red and blue offense Friday as the Rebels opened a 35-0 halftime lead and cruised to a 49-0 shutout victory.
The Warriors’ (3-6, 2-5) offensive woes included just nine first downs in the game, including only three in the first half.
Starting Thompson quarterback David Bria did not dress or play Friday due to an illness, opening the gate for sophomore Adam McKenzie, who finished 6-of-11 for 19 yards and an interception.
The game started off as a defensive struggle with both teams trading three-and-out series.
But the Vestavia defense stepped up first.
McKenzie fumbled with just minutes remaining in the first quarter and the Rebels recovered.
On the ensuing series, Vestavia’s Michael Brown scampered 30 yards to put the Rebels up.
In the second quarter, it was Brown again with a 5-yard run to increase the lead to 14-0.
The Warriors fumbled again when Jordan Chism dropped the kickoff return, and the Rebels answered in one play on Brown’s third touchdown run, this time from 3 yards.
McKenzie was intercepted on the ensuing drive and it only took the Rebels two plays on the following drive as quarterback Ryan Howard connected with Allen Dye for a 68-yard touchdown pass.
The Rebels added two more touchdowns in the second half.
On the ground for the Rebels, Monterious Drake rushed 16 times for 70 yards.
The Warriors will close out the season Friday as they play host to Northridge. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.