The Thompson Warriors faced a Homewood Patriot team on Oct. 9 that was also looking to salvage what was left of its season.

After a lightning delay, the Patriots held Thompson to just three points to take the 23-3 victory.

The Warriors’ defense took the field first and made a statement early, forcing a punt early. The second series of the night for Homewood saw them push into Thompson territory, only to have the defense hold on during the fourth-and-2 play.

The turnover on downs would give the offense the ball at the Warriors’ own 29-yard line.

Seeing their ground game stall on the first drive as they gaining only six yards, the Warriors went to the air.

A short dump pass from Jaylon Jones to Jordan Myers, gave Thompson a first down, and then Jones dropped back and hit Kenny Johnson on the deep route for 47 yards. The play took Thompson down to the Patriot 19-yard line. The drive stalled and the Warriors had to settle for Zac Oglesby’s 27-yard field goal.

The Warriors finished the night with 121 yards passing and only 31 on the ground.

In the second quarter, the Patriots were forced to punt again, and this time, the special teams’ coverage was outstanding, pinning the Warriors at their own 1-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, the Warriors’ Jon Mwaituka gained 11 yards to move the ball out and give the Warriors some breathing room. On the very next play, with Jones in the shotgun formation, the snap sailed into the end zone and Jones recovered and was downed giving the Patriots a safety.

The Patriots then began pushing the ball up the field by keeping it on the ground. Homewood used nine plays to drive 60 yards for the touchdown. After a successful two-point conversion was nullified because of penalty, the Patriots kicked the point-after- touchdown and led 9-3 at the half.

The second half was all about field position as the Patriots would score on their first possession of the half after starting on the Warriors’ 44-yard line.

Homewood used ten plays and burned time off the clock as they drove the field.

Thompson would have one drive that started on the Patriots’ side of the field, and would push to the 23-yard line of Homewood. A batted pass on fourth-and-6 would end the drive and end the Warriors’ scoring chances for the evening.

Homewood added a touchdown later on a 59-yard strike from Stephen Baggett to Aaron Ernest to set the final score.

Thompson will host Oak Mountain on Oct. 16 for homecoming.