Thompson is set to compete for their sixth Class 7A state title in the last seven years, facing off against Opelika, who will be making their debut in the 7A championship. The championship game is scheduled for Wednesday night at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama.
Both teams enter the game with identical records of 10-3. The Warriors of Thompson narrowly defeated Central-Phenix City 35-34 in a semifinal that showcased their resilience. Their season has seen them face tough opponents, including a heart-wrenching overtime loss to Grayson, Georgia, and close contests against Clay-Chalkville and Hoover. Opelika, on the other hand, has rebounded impressively from back-to-back defeats to Enterprise and Central-Phenix City, winning their last four games to reach this significant final.
Coaches familiar with both teams emphasize key strategies for success. Opelika needs to continue their strong running game while limiting turnovers, as mistakes could provide Thompson easy scoring opportunities. They will rely heavily on senior running backs CJ Johnson and Blake Johnson, who present a formidable challenge for Thompson’s defense. For Thompson, it’s crucial to stop Opelika’s run game and make sure to defend effectively against their playmakers, particularly wide receivers Jalynn Washington and Dre Vann.
Player matchups are pivotal in this face-off. Cam Pritchett, a defensive lineman for Thompson, is a force on defense, known for his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Meanwhile, CJ Johnson’s performance as Opelika’s running back will be key; he had standout moments in their semifinal match against Auburn, including a pivotal kickoff return and a long touchdown run.
Thompson’s quarterback, Trent Seaborn, has been effective this season, throwing for over 3,000 yards and boasting 32 touchdowns. His ability to connect with multiple receivers will be vital against a Bulldogs defense that features strong play from junior linebackers Xavier Thomas and Jamel Griffin.
The background of both head coaches adds another layer to the match. Thompson’s Mark Freeman, with a remarkable record of 115-26 over 11 seasons, is a seasoned leader, while Opelika’s Bryan Moore is carving out a successful coaching journey of his own.
The game will not only highlight skill and strategy but will also test the depth of both teams in a high-stakes environment at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium, a venue that has become a historic backdrop for great Alabama high school football matchups. With anticipation building, fans are eager to see if Opelika can secure their first state title or if Thompson can extend their dynasty in Alabama high school football.