On a cool Saturday evening, the Thompson Warriors traveled down Interstate 59 to face Hillcrest High of Tuscaloosa in a final tune-up scrimmage before the season opener next week.

It would prove to be a very productive learning night for the Warriors despite a 21-7 outcome in favor of the Patriots as Thompson played lots of players and gained actual game experience for the youngsters on the team. No official score was kept as Hillcrest scored three touchdowns and Thompson scored once during one half and one series each in the second half.

“We played our older guys some, but we were able to play our young players and get them ready for when they may be called upon in (Class 6A) Region 6 play,” said Thompson coach Brian Maner. “We didn’t show a lot of our plays tonight and have a lot to build on for the season after tonight.”

The Warriors’ first-team offense moved the ball down the field in the first half by using the ground game. Senior Monterious Drake and junior Adam McKenzie helped Thompson get deep into Hillcrest territory before the drive stalled in the first quarter.

Hillcrest scored twice during the two full quarters of competition despite a great effort by the Warrior defense. Quarterbacks Jared Pratt and Luke Wingo were pressured all evening by the Thompson defensive line, creating two Patriot fumbles.

After the half, both teams played one series of downs with their first-team offense and each put together a scoring drive. It was an impressive ending for the Warriors as senior David Bria connected with Deshaunta Bivens in the flat and Bivens scampered 42 yards for a touchdown.

The Warriors will begin the 2009 campaign next Friday as they travel to Mountain Brook.