By DREW GRANTHUM / Sports Writer

The fine-tuning for opening weekend didn’t go quite as hoped for the Thompson Warriors, as they fell to the Pell City Panthers, 13-6 in a jamboree game Aug. 23.

The Warriors were able to open up scoring in the game, as David Buckalew hit a 47-yard field goal at the 10: 24 mark in the first quarter to put Thompson up, 3-0.

It was short-lived, however, as the Warriors gave up two touchdown passes in the span of four minutes to fall behind 13-3.

Christian Jetzel added another field goal in the third quarter to pull within a touchdown, but neither team scored again.

THS head coach Michael Montgomery said the game was an opportunity to test the team’s chemistry before the regular season started.

“We (get) to use it to get better,” he said. “We didn’t seem to have our act together as a team. The defense gave us a lot of opportunities.”

The team’s success will depend heavily on the play of the defense and special teams, Montgomery said.

“Our defensive front really played well,” he said. “We kicked the ball well. Our defense is going to have to play big for us.”

Zach Brammer led the team passing, going 17-for-30 with 135 yards and an interception. Eric Reeves led all receivers with seven catches for 87 yards. Dee Tolbert racked up 37 yards on 13 attempts on the ground.

Defensively, T.J. Rayam led the team with two tackles.
The Warriors open up the 2013 regular season by hosting Shelby County High Aug. 30.