By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

MOUNTAIN BROOK – Mountain Brook’s Chandler Cox intercepted Thompson quarterback Caleb Ragland’s pass with 18 seconds left in the game to put and end to the Warriors’ comeback attempt on Sept. 9.

The No. 9 Warriors (2-1, 1-1 in Class 7A, Region 3) were down 20-7 midway through the third quarter, but mounted a furious comeback attempt, falling just short at 20-17.

“We’ve just got to keep getting better. We’re young, and every game we play in right now, we’re getting some experience,” said THS head coach Mark Freeman. “I’m really proud of the kids for the way they handled gameday this week. We had a lot of distractions this week, as far as getting people in other positions, and I’m proud of the way the kids handled that.”

Thompson outgained the Spartans in total yardage, 356-222, but failed to score touchdowns during two trips to the Mountain Brook red zone in the second half.

After driving to the Mountain Brook 10 yard line late in the third quarter, the Warriors came away with a 28-yard field goal by Logan Brown. To start the fourth quarter, Thompson drove to the Spartan 24-yard line, but turned the ball over after a fourth-down pass fell incomplete.

After falling behind 10-0, the Warriors answered late in the first quarter when Ragland connected with Trey Turnbow for a 60-yard touchdown reception. Brown’s PAT brought the game to 10-7 with 1:40 left in the first quarter.

Mountain Brook added a field goal with 3:08 left in the second quarter to take a 13-7 halftime lead. The Spartans added another touchdown on their first series of the second half, pulling ahead 20-7.

After pulling within 10 thanks to Brown’s 28-yard field goal, Thompson added a touchdown when Ragland connected with Sam Holmes on a 26-yard touchdown reception with 1:31 left in the game.

After forcing a three-and-out on the Spartans’ next possession, Thompson got the ball back with 58 seconds left, and drove to the Warrior 43-yard line before turning the ball over.

Ragland finished the night connecting on 16-of-32 passing attempts for 222 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. Corey Burroughs led the Warrior rushing attack, gaining 98 yards on seven carries.

Turnbow ended the night with 84 yards on three receptions, Moe Edwards reeled in five passes for 70 yards and Sam Holmes recorded 60 yards on six receptions.

Defensive leaders for Thompson were Nick Mobley, with eight solo tackles, and Jaylen Rayam, who finished the night with six solo tackles.