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Thompson running back Shad Byrd splits Foley defenders during the Warriors’ 47-0 victory over the Foley Lions on Aug. 31 at Ivan Jones Stadium. (Reporter Photo/Neal Wagner)

By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

FOLEY – Any speculation about the Thompson Warriors looking ahead to a showdown with the Hoover on Sept. 7 was laid to rest on Aug. 31, as they torched Foley 47-0 at Ivan Jones Stadium to move to 2-0 on the season.

“Honestly, we didn’t talk about it at all this week. (After tonight’s game) was the first time we’ve mentioned next week’s game,” THS head coach Mark Freeman said of the upcoming matchup at the Hoover Met. “Reporters have talked about it and stuff, but really just focused on playing Foley since it was an away game at their stadium. Now, we’ve got to get ready for next week because we’re going into a very tough situation, and that’s why you play football. We’ll go back, have a good week and be ready to go.”

Thompson dominated the Lions in every facet of the game, outgaining Foley in total offense 456 to 34. The Lions only earned four first downs during the contest, and were 1-for-12 on third-down conversions.

THS senior quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, an Alabama commit, completed 24-of-35 passes for 277 yards and five touchdowns – 211 yards and four touchdowns of which came in the first half. Backup quarterback Sawyer Pate was 3-for-5 for 60 yards.

Shad Byrd led the Warriors’ ground attack, racking up 68 yards and a touchdown on seven carries, followed closely by Andrew Barbour with 59 yards and a touchdown on three carries. Byrd also had a 20-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter.

Michael Pettway reeled in seven catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns, and J.B. Mitchell caught six passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns.

Jalen Bustamante led the THS defense with four solo tackles.

Now, the Warriors will look to record their second-straight regular-season win over Hoover on Sept. 7, and avenge a 2017 playoff semifinal loss to the Bucs.

“I’m happy. Any win is a good win right now, as young as we are age-wise. That’s the big thing: Get out of here healthy,” Freeman said. “I’m proud of our kids for the way they played tonight.”

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