Valiant effort comes up short for Warriors
Published 12:50 am Saturday, October 18, 2014
![Thompson's Nolan Burke upends a Tuscaloosa County ballcarrier in a Oct. 17 matchup. (Contributed/Eric Starling)](https://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/10/10-22-Thompson—WEB.jpg)
Thompson’s Nolan Burke upends a Tuscaloosa County ballcarrier in a Oct. 17 matchup. (Contributed/Eric Starling)
By ERIC STARLING/For the Reporter
TUSCALOOSA—Looking for its first win of the season, Thompson traveled to Tuscaloosa County to face the Wildcats. After starting the season 4-0 with a big win over Spain Park in week four, the Wildcats had dropped four straight game and were looking to get back in the win column on senior night.
After a quick first down to start the game, Thompson’s offense stalled and was forced to punt giving Tuscaloosa County their first possession at their own 32-yard line.
The Wildcats moved the ball quickly into Thompson territory with a 17-yard pass play from Seth Franks to Eddie Williams. Runningback Randy Echols provided the ground support helping to push the Wildcats to the Thompson 13-yard line. Facing a fourth and one at the thirteen, Moises Carrasco come on to kick the field goal and gave Tuscaloosa an early 3-0 lead.
Thompson the gained three quick first downs moving in the opposite end of the field for the first time in the contest, but penalties cut their drive short and force them to once again punt the ball to the Wildcats.
“Our defense played an exceptional game tonight, keeping us in the game and giving us and opportunity to win,” stated Coach Michael Montgomery. “Unfortunately, we had too many miscues on offense.”
Tuscaloosa County’s lone touchdown came with 3:23 remaining in the first half. A healthy dose of Echols running the ball moved the Wildcats into the red zone and with the defense focused on the running game, Franks dropped back and hit Chase Pearson for the 5-yard touchdown. The point after attempt by Carrasco was good and the Wildcats had a 10-0 lead going into the half.
The Warriors defense played strong in the second half holding the Wildcats scoreless and keeping them within striking distance. However, the offense could not get things going and the Wildcats held on to get the win.
Thompson will return home next week to host Oak Mountain.