The Thompson Warriors faced perennial powerhouse Hoover in a sloppy Class 6A, Region 6 contest Friday evening at Regions Park and left on the losing end of a 28-0 shut out.

Every backup quarterback waits in anticipation and prepares for his big chance to start his first game. However, it’s not likely you will find many high school backups that would like for that first varsity game to be against the powerful Hoover defense.

After taking over the spot late in last week’s loss to Spain Park due to a shoulder injury to David Bria, sophomore Jaylon Jones mentally and physically prepared himself for what was sure to be a tough first start.

From the very start, the game plan was clear. With the rain and turf issues, Thompson wanted to play this game as fast as possible. The Warriors put on a clinic in clock management for their young players as they milked the play clock for every available second before snapping the ball.

They also kept the ball on the ground all evening, only attempting two pass plays during the game. The Bucs defense outsized the Warriors front line and the pocket collapsed around Jones. However, Jones was the workhorse as he was responsible for 23 of Thompson’s 41 rushing plays.

Monterious Drake led Thompson in rushing with 12 carries for 55 yards. Josh Stewart led the Thompson defense with six tackles. Thompson’s deepest drive came on its third possession as the Warriors drove into Hoover territory and attempted a 27-yard field goal that missed wide left.

Thompson finished the night with just 78 yards of total offense compared to 372 yards for the Bucs.

Hoover’s Ryan Carter passed for 121 yards. Maudrecus Humphrey and Gerald Bryant each caught three passes for 50 yards. Bryant also had a touchdown reception.

The Bucs improve to (4-0, 3-0) while the Warriors fall to (0-4, 0-3). Thompson travels to Gardendale on Sept. 25.