By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The Thompson cheerleading program will be helping area businesses “paint the town red” ahead of the Warriors football team’s first state championship appearance in 36 years.

Alabaster City Schools is encouraging residents and businesses to celebrate the team’s achievement on Dec. 1 by wearing red, displaying signs, placing “Go Warriors! Win state!” on business marquee boards and anything else they can to show their support for the Warriors.

Thompson’s football team has run through a gauntlet this season, and currently sits at 11-1 heading into the Dec. 5 matchup against the Central-Phenix City Red Devils in the Class 7A championship game at Jordan-Hare Stadium at Auburn University.

During the season, the Warriors defeated Hewitt-Trussville twice and took down the Hoover Bucs 31-28 in the playoff semifinals on Nov. 23 to punch their ticket to their first championship appearance since 1982.

The Thompson cheerleading program is offering to deliver signs supporting the Warriors to local businesses for $20, and all proceeds will benefit the cheer program.

To request a sign, email Thompsoncheer@acsboe.org by 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, and all signs will be delivered by Sunday, Dec. 2.