The Thompson Warriors traveled to Gardendale to face the Rockets with both teams desperately looking for a Class 6A, Region 6 win. The two teams traded the lead during the night with the Rockets prevailing with a 21-14 win.

Gardendale began its night at its own 32-yard line. From their very first play from scrimmage, the Rockets had the Warriors’ defense on their heels. Running back Christian Green seemed unstoppable during the drive that lasted 11 plays and ended with a 2-yard touchdown run. Adam Anderson’s extra point gave Gardendale a 7-0 lead.

After the Warriors’ offense stalled on their first drive, the defense settled in and proved that they were up to the task. The Warriors held the Rockets scoreless for the remainder of the half. Thompson forced two turnovers, including an interception at the 8-yard line by Kenny Johnson, to stop the Rockets drive just before the half ended.

Sophomore Jaylon Jones got his second start of the season under center for the Warriors, but would be replaced by David Bria after a hard hit by the Rocket defense. He returned in the second half for limited plays.

The Warriors capitalized on the first turnover, a fumble recovery, on the Rockets’ 14-yard line and then scored four plays later. Monterious Drake went head over heels from the 2-yard line for the score and Zac Oglesby added the extra point to tie the score.

On their very next series, the Warriors marched 81 yards on eight plays to take the lead. Drake took a pitch from Bria and rumbled 13 yards for the lead. Oglesby converted the extra point and the Warriors carried the lead into the locker room at halftime.

Unfortunately for the Warriors, the Rockets came out fired up in the second half and the defense held the Warriors to just 47 yards for the remainder of the night. Green passed to quarterback Dallas Tidwell for a touchdown in the second half.

Gardendale was blessed with field position in the fourth quarter and capitalized. After taking over at the Thompson 34-yard line, the Rockets burned the clock and used the running game to move the ball downfield and score with 2:36 remaining in the contest.

The Warriors night ended when Bria’s late fourth-down pass sailed just high and the Rockets took over on downs to run out the clock. Next week, the Warriors (0-5) will host rival Pelham.