- And back at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

We are just moments away from the kickoff to the seven, A state championship game as central of Phoenix City and Thompson taking the field here at Bryant Denny Stadium.

Time now to take a look at our keys to victory.

Presented by the Alabama Home Builders Association and Coach Rhodes.

Break this one down for us.

- Well, we could talk an hour about this, but there's a couple things that I, that I think are really important.

It's really important for Central Phoenix City to throw the ball when they want to, not when they have to.

In order to do that, they're gonna have to run the football effectively.

I think it's also important for them to really get off to a great start.

They wanna start fast for Thompson, listen, they're playing against a great offensive team.

They want to keep that football.

They don't wanna let that Phoenix City central offense get on the field and their play action game has set up everything for 'em this year.

Look for that.

That's gonna be a big, big key in this game.

- And time to check out the coin toss down at the 50 yard line.

Let's join our public address announcer, boy, - Head cheer coach, and assistant ad Richard Sutton, director of Bands, Graham Bennett and Home Field chain crew, chief Randy Dur.

Ladies and gentlemen and gentlemen, ladies, and to give a big round of applause to these honorary captains and for all the teachers and administrators who support our students each and every day across the state of Alabama.

Also assisting in tonight's coin toss and representing the quarterbacking Children's Health Foundation, his special guest, Kobe Chatta from Homewood.

Hi Homewood Middle School in Homewood, Alabama.

Kobe and their family represent many families who directly benefit from the work of the Quarterbacking Children's Health Foundation.

Please join us for a warm super seven.

Welcome to Kobe and our family - On Mike.

- Gentlemen, congratulations for making it to the 2023 Class seven A state championship.

I hope you consider it to be an honor to be selected as being captains for this game by your coaches.

We ask that you take care of your teams and play with good class in sportsmanship tonight.

Tonight presenting The coin that we're gonna toss with is Kobe from the Children's Miracle Network.

We thank you for being here.

Thank you.

Kobe Central Phoenix City.

You're the visiting team.

We're gonna ask you to call the toss.

My coin says Heads on one side and tails on the other.

Heads and tails.

It's your call.

What do you want?

Heads?

What'd he say?

Heads, heads it is, if I drop it, we'll do it again.

It's tails.

Tails.

You win the toss.

What do you wanna do before nobody move?

Thompson has won the tallest and defers their choice in the second half.

That means you want the ball.

Which way do you want to kick from?

You wanna kick that way?

Yes sir.

All right, you guys go to this 45 face this way.

You guys turn around right here.

Face this way.

Central Phoenix will receive the opening kickoff in the north end zone - And the coin toss pre presented by Children's of Alabama.

Thanks to our referee tonight, Kirby Michaels.

Well, we've got every angle of this.

Seven A state championship game covered for you, including down on the field.

First off to the visitor sideline, welcome in, Susan Caruthers.

Hello Susan.

- Hey guys.

Welcome to the sidelines.

It's electric down here.

Listen, I got to talk to Coach Patrick Nicks before the game.

Of course, former Auburn Star and father of current Heisman candidate Bo Nicks.

Everyone's here tonight.

It's a big week for the Knicks family, but I asked Coach Nicks it's, you know, it's none of it's about that tonight.

It's about the central of Phoenix City team and the Red Devils chasing a state championship and I asked, I said, coach, what do you need to do tonight to win this game?

And he said, we need to be ourselves.

We need to play our brand of football.

And that's what it's gonna take for them to win - 37.

- Alright, thanks Susan.

Over on the other sideline, Thompson head coach Mark Freeman in his ninth season with the Warriors and he brings into this game an oppressive resume.

He's won six state titles in the A-H-S-A-A two at Spanish four four with the Warriors and tonight he has the opportunity to join a group of three elite coaches who have won seven.

Now Thompson as a whole looking to five Pete here tonight, the Warriors.

There's only been one other school who has won five straight.

That was Hazelwood High School back in the 1980s and 1990s.

Thompson to Long win, looking to win its fifth straight here in 2023.

- Alright, thanks a lot Susan and Christina.

A lot of interesting angles to this one.

Coach this, this matchup has been building all season, hasn't it?

- No, it really has.

I mean, two exceptional programs.

I think Coach Nick's hit on something that is so important is that you, you know, live in the moment right now, the state championship is not important.

What's important is to get a first down - And we are underway, the kick from John McGuire is selling to the end zone and we begin with a Touchback Thompson is winning the Tulsa, central Phoenix city coming out first on - Offense, that's 51 outta 61 that he's put in the end zone this year.

And he will be an important factor in this game.

- And there's a look at Central Phoenix City quarterback Andrew Alford.

What a season he has had.

- He really has Mickey 3,378 yards, 67% completion percentage, 44 TD passes on the air - And first down at the 20 for Central Phoenix City and first play of the game handoff up the middle and nothing there at all for running back.

Zach Simmons Brown, let's take a look at the offensive starting lineup for Central with Phoenix City coach.

This bunch, they've been putting up a lot of points this year, as a matter of fact, the highest scoring offense in seven A. Yeah, - It really is.

And of course I, when you start talking about that, you gotta start with Cam Coleman.

They, some people say the best receiver that this state has had since George Pickens and now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, great receivers, great quarterback, big strong offensive line and that'll be a factor in this game.

The average - 44 points a game coming into this one here is brown, up the middle, much better run here on second and long is it's gonna set up a third and short for Central Phoenix City.

Meanwhile, the Thompson defense, they're gonna be challenged tonight.

Coach not as big a defense maybe as they've had in some of their previous state championship.

- No, but they've got some stars as well.

Anquan Fagans, you know, a four star player, Jared Smith, another four star player, Caleb Harris, a three star player committed to Auburn.

I mean, you know there, there's a lot of talent obviously on that side of the football as well.

- Third and two, four, the red devils fake to Brown, they'll throw it deep receiver's gotta step on the defensive back and it's caught.

This is Daylon Upshaw and he's gonna take it in for the game's first score.

- Well that's your basic third and two call right there, but we do have some laundry back at the 28 yard line.

Beautiful throwing great, great go route.

- Upshaw was one on one with the defensive back, but there you see the ineligible man downfield call.

- Now it may have been a true lineman downfield, but on that kind of play, I wonder if one of the interior receivers wasn't covered up.

In other words, two receivers on the same side, both on the line of scrimmage, - Ineligible receiver downfield offense penalty is five yards in the previous spot.

Replay third down.

- Well - The first big, the first big play in this game is, is a penalty.

- Don't.

- Well I tell you the only guy that I saw that looked close was big number 70, but you look to me like that, that was pretty close.

Let's just say that man.

- Well the penalty wipes away a touchdown.

Yeah, - Beautiful.

Throw a great route.

- So third down in eight, little different situation here, offered back to throw plenty of time, you're gonna air it out again and it's caught.

This is Coleman getting behind two Thompson defenders.

So Central has the answer after the penalty.

- Yeah, they got Coleman matched up on the safety and ran a little smash concept a short, round underneath and then watch the corner, route it in the left hand side, top of your screen and a ball is put right where you want to put it, right over that outside shoulder.

Impossible to defend.

Wow.

You're not gonna see two better throws than that young man just made right there.

- Tremendous start.

Therefore quarterback Andrew Alford.

Connecting with what many regard as the top wide receiver in the nation this year.

Cam Coleman, first at 10 at the Thompson 36.

A little fireworks here early created by Central Phoenix City.

This is Brown again and he spins his way down near the 30.

So a a six yard pickup on first out.

- Yeah, good in inside blocking right there.

And a and a nice run to pick up those six yards, - Like six yards.

Second, - Zach Simmons Brown averages six yards a carry.

That's what he picks up on that first down long look to the sideline there.

The place signaled in from the central sideline second down and four from the Thompson 30 Allford leaves it with brown and he is hit immediately and the football came out of there as Thompson player may be on it.

The initial hit was from Jayden Davis.

The linebacker at Thompson's got the football.

- Yeah, just a little, a little inside stunt that you're gonna see is as you look at the right side of your screen, gave a little stutter step and just beat the right tackle Clean Ball pops out and man, there is the first big turnover in this game.

You know, we hadn't talked much about turnovers Mickey, but I mean they're always there and you know, in championship games you just cannot turn the football over.

- The initial hit by Davis and it was Jarred loose by Vinny Pyres.

Here's Trent Seaborne quarterback four Thompson as they take over first in 10, after knocking the football loose and getting the first turnover of the game.

This young man kind of emerged on the scene last year as an eighth grader, became the guy as the season went along, wound up leading Thompson to a state championship and won the super seven MVP.

His first pass of the night is complete.

Nice quick move there by the receiver Deuce Oliver, who is a big play guy for this Thompson offense.

- Yes, he really is.

Ran a little shallow right there and tried to get him some, some running room, but the central defense would have none of it.

- Thompson, this offense averages about 38 points a game again, Trent Seaborne the freshman leading them at quarterback and he is quickly two for two is this wide open connection there with AJ Green and there's a, there's a look at the, the Thompson offense - And, and of course, you know, green is, is is their leading rusher right there, very good receiving core, not the biggest offensive line that you're gonna see and that's gonna be a story Thompson is, is outweighed on both offensive and defensive lines and that'll be an interesting storyline as we go.

- Seaborne.

Quickly, quickly, three for three and it's complete once again to two green out of the backfield.

Nice gain on first down.

So here's a look at the central Phoenix city defense giving up about 12 points a game coming into the state championship.

- Yeah, the, the, the, the central defense sans is a three star player that has been recruited a lot of, by a lot of people.

Keep your eye on Red Morgan, who's the leader of that secondary - Sea Barn's pass is complete short gain, only about a yard to the 49.

We'll set up a third down at four, but how about this?

Four straight passes here.

Yeah, - All all really quick stuff, you know, a little hitch that time before that they had cleared out and, and kind of spit green out of the backfield and were able to get the ball to him just trying to control again that clock and down in distance.

- Third down in four, another pass attempt, and this is intercepted, I think I believe so Central Phoenix City saying they have the football on the interception that time David Glenn, or I should say Brennan cor, the sophomore linebacker.

Now, let's see, the official really incomplete, - Really tries to fit the ball in a really tight window in here and this little curl in and you can see 1, 2, 3 white jerseys around there in a very, very tight window.

We had a nice break on the football and I don't, I'm gonna get a good look at it right here.

- Coach NSS has already thrown the red flag at h and now we get the official signal now is central Phoenix city football.

So Coach Nicks can get his red flag back.

- Well it looked like he came down with a clean, but as they rolled over right there, it was kind of hard to see exactly who had the ball.

But we get a definitive call and the second turnover in, in, in just around four minutes in this game.

- Interesting start.

Both teams were moving the football, both drives come to an end with turnovers - And it's kind of interesting to see how both teams are starting this game.

Thompson with a very methodical short passing game and for Central Powder River and it looks like we've got a red flag thrown now from the Thompson side.

- Well, coach Freeman has one of those red flags too and he just used it.

- You know, Mickey, I like to have one of those red flags when I coach - Really on the field, have an interception by the defense.

That ruling is being challenged by Thompson.

The previous play is under further review.

- You know those old westerns where they'd wear those, wear those ammunition belts over there?

I'd, I'd have one stuck in each one of those right - There.

Every yellow flag you saw would've been met by a red flag, right?

- Well, not every, well yeah, probably one.

- Yeah, well they're gonna go under the hood and take a look at this and I'm sure we'll also take a look at it again.

It was a close play.

It - It's gonna be interesting.

I I think he clearly caught the ball, but if you'll watch when they go to the ground and roll possession is a little bit maybe questionable, but we'll see.

- Here we go.

First look from a pipe.

- Yeah, it looks like a catch.

- And - Now they're on the ground and see when they roll the second time.

Looks like there's some contests for the ball, but looks to me like when he's down he clearly has possession.

- I agree, - But hey, I'm a broadcaster.

I don't, - Well I think this replay clearly demonstrates that the officials first call is most likely the going stand - And of course coaches are notorious for lobbying their case.

I wonder if, I wonder if Coach Nix is completely sure what time zone he's in, you know, you know, he's been in Oregon and back to back to Central, which is in Eastern time zone and now in Tuscaloosa.

He has been a coast to coast traveler.

- And here's Kirby Michaels with the call.

After - The review, the ruling on the field stands as call interception.

Thompson has been charged with a timeout.

They will have one review challenge remaining.

- Obviously what Kirby Michaels just told us is very important to know, not only do you lose the timeout, you're down to one challenge, the rest of the seven a game state championship game, - Which, you know, as, - As - Tight as these games are that that could be a factor.

- So Central takes back over first down at their own 44.

Neither offense has been stopped by the other defense.

So second crack edit here for the Red Devil.

So go with Brown, right back up the middle.

This time well defended there by the middle of that Thompson defense, if they swarm Zach Simmons Brown and stop his forward progress after a gain of three - Real - Good surge by the defensive front for Thompson and a great job by that second level, the linebackers getting the line of scrimmage in a hurry.

They, they really only had about a five man box, but great reaction by the Warrior defenses.

- Second down, seven Allford looking to throw, dumps it off and it is complete to Brown out of the backfill.

And Brown picks up the first down to the Thompson 43.

So nice decision making that time by offer.

- Yeah, great patience on his part and really a great route concept.

You know, the, the thing you wanna do throwing the football is you want to challenge the depth and the width of the field on every play.

And they try to get five out on every single route.

That time they able to hit the little check down for a big gain in a nice first down - Coach.

What are you seeing about how Thompson is defending these big play receivers for central of Phoenix City, especially Coleman?

- Well, you know, it's very difficult to, to double cover - And little razzle dazzle here.

It was gonna be a pass down field, but instead Upshaw tucked it under and got what he could to pick up a three well defended in the secondary by.

- Yeah, it really was.

And and of course, you know, Thompson is dropping a lot of coverage deep, but I thought it was very good awareness by, by Upshaw to not try to force the play instead tucked it down, you know, got north and south and tried to get four yards and that's about what he got - Second down and seven for the Red Devils - Offered.

- Leaves it with brown and Brown is empty in right at the line of scrimmage.

Very little gain if any.

- Yeah, you're getting a lot of movement in the, in the Thompson front that, you know, they don't, they don't have the size that that central has, but they're doing a good job of using that quickness to penetrate those gaps and, and disrupt those schemes.

- Central did convert on a third and eight on their first possession.

They've got a third and seven here, possibly four down territory if they don't make it five receivers offer over the middle pass incomplete.

Upshaw was the intended receiver at the 35 yard line, so it will bring up fourth down.

- Yeah, ran, ran a little dig route underneath, tried to clear it out and hit him over the middle ball was the off target and pretty well defensive.

- What do you think coach?

Here Go for it.

Here.

- I think when you average 44 points a game, you're in four down territory, just about anywhere.

- Coach Nick seems to agree offense stays out on the field.

So fourth and seven offer back to throw goes deep and the pass is intercepted inside the 10 yard line by guess who big play defensive back and Quan Fagans.

What a season this young man has had.

- Well, and I, you got a great example of just how good a football player he is.

He was, he was right on the hash, broke all the way to the sideline.

- Time out on the field.

We'll take a break and return to Bryant Denny in just a moment.

- Hey, I'm Mark Saliba and I'm the president and CEO of Alfred Saliba Corporation as a part of the Home Builders Association of Alabama.

I guess one of the best things that it's helped me with is personal development.

It's helped me to learn how to, to be a, a better builder and a and a better business person, but it's helped me in so many other ways and all the other roles that I have.

How can you afford not to be a member of the Home Builders Association in your local area?

- There's power in the simplest of actions like one neighbor helping another where everybody looks out for everybody else.

Community is everything to the electric cooperatives of Alabama and we're grateful for your trust to provide the energy you need, giving you the power to power on your Alabama electric cooperatives.

Empowering lives, empowering communities.

- Sunbelt champion Troy meets Duke in the 76 Birmingham Bowl on December 23rd at Protective Stadium.

Tickets are on sale now, starting at just $30.

Get tickets and more information@birminghambowl.com.

- Since 1997, Alabama public television has provided programs, services, and resources to childcare professionals, teachers and parents.

Visit apv.org/education to learn more.

- I'm Todd Stacy, host of Capital Journal here on a PT.

Each week we cover the stories that matter from your government, whether it's what's happening in the Alabama legislature or the latest from our congressional delegation in Washington DC We bring Alabama's top leaders to you.

Be sure to watch Capitol Journal Friday night at seven 30 and Sundays at noon here on Alabama Public television.

- What a crazy start to the seven.

A state championship game.

Three possessions here in this first quarter, three turnovers.

Every drive coach has ended by - Turnover.

Yeah, and you know, the thing you, you teach and, and preach to your to your offenses is you want every series to end in a kick of some kind, preferably an extra point, but you know, nothing bad happens if that happens.

And like you said, we've had three turnovers in less than 10 minutes.

I I don't think anybody expected that.

- Anquan Fagans, the incredible interception there on the previous play, he had the pick that sealed the wind over Hewitt trussville for Thompson in the seven day semi-final round.

So Thompson will take over but in some poor field position back at their own seven yard line, but they'll, they'll take it after the interception and a big run up the middle here.

First running play of the game so far for Thompson AJ Green, they're leading runner this season, averaging seven yards of carry coming into this game and he picks up about six there.

- Yeah, he's, he's their thousand yard rusher and great, great inside, straight ahead runner - Seaborn throws a strike out to the 20 yard line complete to Angel Jones.

- This is really a nice throw.

They clear out with the outside receiver and run a run a little out cutt for a nice gain and a big first down and you see the kind of arm that that young man has, right, right there.

And of course, what an amazing story.

The MVP of the state championship game is an eighth grader and now here's a Wiley old veteran ninth grader.

Back again, - Second down and run.

Or first down I should say run up the middle net's about three yards that time by green.

Let's go down to the field for more on Seaborn.

Here's Christina.

- That's right guys.

So one of the biggest things that coach talked about between last year state championship game and this year is Trents growth.

Last year he was about 5 9, 5 10 and weighed about 160 pounds.

But this year he's about 182 and about six one.

So just goes to show the growth between him becoming a freshman this year.

Coach says the biggest challenge for him is him becoming a leader.

It's one of the things he talked about at the beginning of the season and he says all each week he's grown and developed as a leader and become more vocal and you can see that out on the field - And a big play here.

Angel Jones.

Second catch of the game and it's a big one as he takes it to the central 45 yard line is Thompson converts on third and - Short.

Well it was just a matter of time until they got to this RPO game and, and, and you can see that's the run pass option.

They'd been running the ball inside with green that time.

Pulled it out, hit the slant right, right there.

And you can see how quick a release that young man has - Seaborn off to a very good start, six of seven and this pass incomplete over the head of the intended receiver senior Colby Hearn who I think there's some kind of mix up there between receiver and quarterback.

- Yeah, I think, you know, Hearn set it down and Seaburn thought he was gonna run that little seam route between the corner and the safety and into that little sugar spot.

But as you said, they miscommunicated and it went for not - Seaborn six of seven fifty one yards here in the first quarter with the one interception.

Second down in 10 he drops back to throw here, little pump fake steps up and he's gonna be taken down behind the line of scrimmage, the pocket collapsing around him in a nice play there by Central's.

Tristan Lyles.

- Yeah, Lyles has had 12 sacks on the ear and that time did a really nice job of retracing his steps coming off that block back to the inside and got the sack - Creates a third and 11 for Thompson Red Devil's rush four, they tried to set up a little screen pass, almost picked again, but coach, we may be seeing a possession in with a possible putt here.

Well, but that was almost another - Turnover that that would be a rarity for tonight.

They, they tried to run that little tunnel scream, had a hard time getting it over the top of that rush and bit high in almost interception number four, but not quite.

- And that we'll send on the punting unit for Thompson John McGuire, - John McGuire formation - On punt averages about 42 yards a punt and - It's been pretty good this year dropping him inside of the 22.

So we'll see what happens here.

- And bricks, Cameron standing back at the 10 yard line awaiting the kick high kick here, hits at the 20, takes a little bit of a Thompson roll inside the 15 yard line.

- Well I believe that's called flipping the field - Thompson down at the central 14 yard - Line.

And here's a look at the past seven seven a state champions.

We talk about Thompson in the four in a row.

The last time Thompson lost in the playoffs was to this central Phoenix City team back in 2018.

Then after that, remember that Hoover team - I, I seen, I seen two and, and you know, of course it shows you the strength of that over the mountain area in in, in Jefferson County that has really dominated with a couple of exceptions, seven a football in this state for the last 10 years.

- So now the Red devils start with poor field position inside their 15.

Here is the first carry of the night for Tristan Williams who comes in averaging right at 12 yards, a carry over 700 yards rushing this season.

He picks up nine yards on that first down to, - He's part of that one two punch that that you know, that that they have in that backfield.

- A - Little more of the speed guy in that, in that tandem.

- You like second and one as a coach, don't you?

- You can do a lot of things with second and one.

- Let's see what central Phoenix City decides to do here.

No play clock down to five offered Williams.

Nice hole on the right side and he surges forward for a central Phoenix city first down out to the 32.

- Really nice vision that time by by Williams.

That's the inside zone and he sees that backside cut.

You'll watch right here.

You could see him work back to his right side, right there, hugs that block just like you're supposed to and picks up a nice first thing.

- So first down at the 32 because we are now under two minutes to play in the first quarter of the seven a state championship game offered little play fake on first down passes caught at the 40, this is Coleman, well that was double coverage that time on Coleman and offered delivered a strike.

- You know, I know he is had the couple of picks but he's thrown some impressive balls too tonight.

That one again was right on the Monday.

- Of course Cam Coleman had been committed to Texas a and m since June and just this past Friday flipped his commitment to Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers setting up a pretty good wide receiver class down on the plains that Coleman just recently joined.

First in 10 at the 48 delayed or fake to Williams.

Over the middle wide open is Dylan Gentry and that'll be another first down.

- Well the play fake right there really held the linebacker to the weak side inside and you can see there's gonna be a void.

You look at the right top of your screen, you can see that linebacker is just sitting on playing that run and they sneak that little curl right to the inside and Gentry knew exactly what to do with it.

And Central's got something going.

I sure - Do.

First down at the Thompson 27 Williams gets the call and rope through the initial attempt to tackle that time.

- Now what's been different in this drive so far up front, which I think is really, really crucial in this game, you don't see those black jerseys leaking through those, those gaps like you did in earlier drives.

If Central can continue to do that, it's gonna make, make things much more difficult for that Thompson defense.

Thompson will try to get back in that penetrating look that they had and try to disrupt this offense.

- Second down in six, what could be the final play of the quarter offered fakes, looks and passes caught by Coleman.

Coleman put his foot in the ground, made a nice cut and offered you tell these two have worked very well together as central Phoenix City has invaded the Children's of Alabama Red Zone.

- Yeah, that that's, that's a little punch and pivot move is one of the names they use that in in the trad.

He worked inside, got the defender to flip his hips, pivoted it off that inside foot and snapped it back outside and the ball was right on the Monday, - First down at the 14.

- Probably wasn't the first time they've thrown that, right?

- No, you can tell that they've been working on that for quite - A while.

I would say in June when it was really hot they were throwing that thing a bunch as Coach Nicks wants a big time out, ran down there, saw something he didn't like - 11 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

We will keep it here.

And this time out presented by the Alabama Natural Gas Association as head coach Patrick Nicks, who you know, won a couple of state championships at Pinton Valley back to back state titles in 2017 and 18.

Trying to pick up another one here against the juggernaut called - Thompson.

Well you know, I had a, had a long career as a, as a college coach.

Very successful offensive coordinator.

Got tired I think of the grind and moving all over the place and got into high school coaching and has had just tremendous success wherever he is been and has a, a great football team this year.

And as you said, had two back-to-back state championships at at Penton Valley.

Seemed to remember he had a pretty good quarterback there.

I can't remember the guy's name, but - Yeah.

And his son Bo just named a finalist for the Heisman.

- Yes.

- You mentioned he's been a challenging schedule, not only obviously his duties coaching central Phoenix city, but also keeping up with his son Bo up in Oregon.

- Yeah, he's, I think he's, he he's done as good a job as a dad as he has as a coach.

I think.

- Susan, what do you have to add to this?

I know you know a little bit about Patrick Nicks and his story.

That is awesome.

Thanks Susan.

Here's the handoff to Williams.

Williams inside the 10 stays on his feet inside the five, it's gonna be first in goal for Central Phoenix City.

When we begin the second quarter, well actually one second left - Second.

- Well that was a great run right there I thought, I thought Vince Riess had him, you know, at the line of SC screaming, but he ran right through that, that leg tackle and has central knocking on the door - And have a set for play and run that second off.

And our first quarter is in the books, no score in the seven a state championship game, but Central Phoenix City knocking on the door first in goal when we come back to Bryant Denny Stadium, - Jefferson State is the best choice for my education.

You can get a jumpstart on college by completing college credit while still in high school, - Or get an associate degree in one of Jeff State's high demand career programs and start earning great pay right away.

How - About saving thousands in tuition by starting at Jefferson State, then transferring to a four year university and with online classes and four convenient campuses, I can earn a degree around my schedule.

- Find your place at Jefferson State registration.

Going on now.

- Making memories is always a bit sweeter knowing the water and fish are safe for fishing the day away in beautiful Alabama.

For the latest water and fish consumption advisories, visit adem.alabama.gov/water info.

- Alabama public - Television is your place for free professional development, curriculum aligned videos, lesson plans and more explore resources at apv.org/education.

- Ralph Schur coached the Auburn Tigers for 24 seasons from 1951 through 1975 with 176 wins.

Coach Jordan led his alma mater to more wins than any other head football coach in Auburn's rich football history.

He's remember the college football Hall of Fame, the 1950s were probably his best decade with the Tigers winning the national championship in 1957.

I'm Thomas Gossner, a wide receiver on Coach Jordan's 1972 football team nicknamed the Amazings, a major underdog entering the season.

We finished with a ten one record number five in the country, including the infamous Punt Bama Punt Iron Bowl victory.

Coach always said that his 1972 team was one of his favorites.

Coach Jordan remains one of the most highly respected personalities in the history of Auburn University.

Not only because of his success as a head football coach, but also because of his tireless devotion to the Auburn community - Back at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, home of the Alabama Crimson tide, but for the next three days home to the 28th annual A-H-S-A-A Super seven State Championships we're through one quarter of the seven a state championship game.

It is central of Phoenix City beginning the second quarter with an opportunity to get some points on the scoreboard here.

William stays in the game, he's been the running back this entire series.

He gets the call and Williams scores the first touchdown of the game for Central Phoenix City.

- Yeah, that's a great push by the left side of the central offensive line.

And boy, what a job that young man didn't in this series right here.

- That's his 11th touchdown of the season.

And again, our first points of the night is central strikes.

First, - I don't think we mentioned this, but Williams does average a cool 11.8 yards of carry coming into this game so he knows how to tote that man.

- You mentioned the one-two punch there with with he and Zach Simmons Brown.

And here's the extra point attempt from Ethan Paul the left footer.

63 of 66 on the season.

Make it 64 of 67 of looking crowd in attendance here tonight.

Coach, looking back at this drive, we mentioned a lot of this was number 24 and the work done here by Williams.

- Yeah, you can see he breaks two tackles right there, actually almost breaks the third one.

Just good straight ahead, power running and then watch the left side of the offensive line, cave it in right there.

Really a nice job that time by Mal waldrop, a three star player and Alabama, Clemson, Colorado Auburn are taking a good look at him and he had a bunch of pancakes coming into this game and you saw there he just kind of caved in that - And time here to take a look at the Aldot Drive safe scoring drive eight plays, 86 yards Williams five carries 36 yards, the long run of 12 yards and of course the touchdown.

- Well and I think you know, they had one called back, they they they, they kind of been outta rhythm a little bit.

I thought that was the first time really that that offense looked like it was in rhythm and kind of threw when they wanted or to and were able to run the ball.

Super effective - Ethan Ball - And Ethan Paul on for the kickoff.

And Paul gets a leg into this one and it'll be filled it at the seven yard line and brought back out to the 25 yard line.

The return there by Thompson's Caleb Harris.

And now time to welcome in a special guest to the booth joining Coach Rhodes and I, Wesley Britt, the former Alabama Crimson tie player, also a former New England Patriot.

Wesley, thanks for stopping in and spending some time with us here in the second quarter.

Thank you.

- It's great to be here.

It's great to watch seven a Alabama high school football.

This is fantastic.

I think both teams came out hot throwing darts, throwing it long, going for the shots, having turnovers.

Then finally Central said hey, let's take a step back.

Let's evaluate who we are, what we got.

We're bigger, let's run play action, let's get after it short passes and they put together a drive and I think we'll see more of that the rest of the night.

- Big play there by Tristan Lyles and Wesley, I gotta ask, ask you this when you come back into this stadium, - Still makes the back of my neck stand up.

- You spent four great years here at the University of Alabama from 2000 to 2004.

- That's right.

It was unbelievable looking back, just to have the chance to put that where that crimson jersey, that so many history, this historic players greats in NFL College, all his sports that played and for me to be able to do that here in Bright D Stadium.

Unbelievable.

And we're seeing guys here tonight play that will also be wearing that jersey.

- You see the pass from Seaborn over the head of Colby Hearn.

So Thompson in a tough spot here, coach Third 13.

- Yeah, there really are and and you know a nice penetrating defense on first down we're able to disrupt that last pass attempt right there.

Right now that momentum is that momentum switch jerseys is a lot.

This this had right now it's got a white Jersey on - Third at 13, keep it on the ground.

Nice job there.

Breaking tackles by AJ Green gets what he can out across the 25 and got a flag on the plate.

Yeah, I - Don't know whether we got a mask or a horse collar.

This is good vision by grinning.

Good strength to watch him bounce outside, get on the edge.

I think we might have a face mask right there.

A little hand on the on the mask early - May have grazed the face mask.

- Five yard face mask foul on the defense.

- Penalty is five yards - Down at the end of the run's.

A big penalty replay.

Third down - Big thing is they get to replay the down third and three - Thompson will take advantage of these buildings.

You get a play smart football - And here's the give to Grady.

Slips down.

It looked like he was gonna have the first down easily but lost his footing and they're gonna spot him down at the 34, which leaves him a yard short of the first down.

- You watch right here, this is a little kickout block by big number 73 tries to make that inside cut and just loses his foot.

- That's a big play for Central's defense to give the ball back to that offense, which seems to kind of be clicking here.

- That really, I mean that is, that's a huge stop.

That's basically a three and out and central is gonna get the football right back.

Barring something unforeseen.

- Here's John McGuire on the punt.

Gets a lot of air under this one and a fair catch dropped.

It is dropped by Briggs, Cameron and Thompson Recovers on the recovery.

I believe that was number 12.

Dakota Murphy or make a correction that number 19 on the recovery.

Kayla Fox.

What a big turnover.

- The fourth turnover of the game.

Wow.

- Well you know, you mentioned something there that that's really very, very important.

I mean this may be as high a kick as I've seen from a high school kicker in a long, long time.

And you can see they're right tight inside and look at those elbows.

Those elbows are are out.

You wanna try to make a funnel hands out, elbows in.

But that was just the opposite.

And when it went through the wicket, there was no place to recover it.

- So instead of central getting the ball back to their offense, who seemed to be clicking, now Thompson gets it back, seaborne goes for the home run and it's incomplete down around the goal line.

It was intended for Colbin landr but well defended by Montes Eckles.

- Well this really is a great job.

By Eccles, I mean he is what is called in the trade out of phase.

He's he's, he's trailing the play and watch him get up and get those hands in between the receivers exactly the way you teach it and knocks that ball away.

- Wesley, you like going for the home run there on first down, - I think it's a good opportunity to take a shot.

You had, you had a quick change in momentum of the game.

Take the shot and see, let's see what turns out - Second in 10 Seaborn dumps it over the middle passes drop to the 33 yard line.

Boy you gotta help out your quarterback there.

But Angel Jones who's got a couple of catches in the game so far couldn't hold on there.

Yeah, - You know, you know ran that little shallow cross and that's not as easy as a a, a catch as you'd think it would be from the stands up ball comes out of a lot of helmets and jerseys and all that.

It looked like Jones kind of got his hands, couldn't quite get 'em right and the result is incomplete pass - Seaborn started the game Hot, hasn't had a completion in a while.

He's six of 11 so far.

He goes deep here toward the end zone and it is incomplete it once again it was number four and number four hooking up back there is Landry was the intended receiver, but Echo's right there, step for step.

Yeah.

- Went, went back with the fade route again and really pretty again a difficult throw and not much room to work with it on the sideline right there.

And a good job by that young man right there.

- While I liked the shirt, the shot on the turnover, you can't do that consistently.

You have to establish the run game.

You have to get some play action.

- So fourth and 10 Thompson will go for it here inside the central 35 Seaborn is passes complete.

It's gonna be short of the first down as a nice job defensively by Jaquan Sanks, the senior defensive back making the play.

- Yeah, I ran a little bunch, a wide bunch route right here.

One guy in, one guy deep and then the little turnout route right there.

That's a good job of, of knowing the down and distance and where the sticks were and made the sure tackle and got the turnover - Especially do you sense that Central's running game is starting to get going here with this offensive - Line?

Without a doubt they're starting to lean on them and you can see that on Thompson.

You can see 'em starting to open holes that especially that left side, that big left tackle is a good quick first step and he's just, he's been able to dominate so far.

There, there you see it again.

- This is Simmons Brown back in the game.

- Yeah, you, you know, we talked a little bit when we were just talking before the game about, you know, you had, you had done a kind of a little, a little research of the big guys on one side and not so big on the other.

Tell us a little bit about that.

You know, that that size difference, - Everybody seems to look at the speedy guys and how many reception yards I look at the weight.

What, what are their size?

What kind of beef?

What is that?

- Hey we, Wesley came in with his roster.

- That's right.

He was going down the weight.

- I mean, and - You, and you look at that, you got 10 guys that are probably averaging close to 300 on central.

And you look at Thompson and you go back to the other side and you have one guy over 255 pounds.

Yeah.

- One person team.

He came in and he said when they got 15 guys their average weight is 2 98 0.63.

I mean, not that he was being exact or anything, right?

But no, I mean, and as the game goes on, you know, that size differential becomes more and more important.

Pretty good job that time by Thompson of forcing offered out of the, out of the pocket.

- But most games are won there, aren't - They?

That's right.

Most games are in the trenches and, and as this go game goes along, if you're not scoring on these long drives, if you're not putting points on the board, it's the, it's the team that can put together a 12 pet play sustained drive to win a football game.

- Well, and, and I mean the, the ability to finish drives and championship game is just, just crucial.

I mean, you can't let opportunities go by the board and you know, you kind of wonder, I mean, you know, central already has had one score called back.

You know how that's gonna play as it as it goes on.

- And we have the Alabama Natural Gas Association time out here by Central Phoenix City.

They want to talk over their options on third down and seventh.

- You know, I feel like we're kind of watching a heavyweight title fight where both teams are just kind of Arabs.

Both teams are just kind of sparring with each other in the middle.

You don't get the feeling that either team has been able to really get in the kind of rhythm that they want to offensively with the exception of that last drive by central.

You know, they, they obviously had pretty good rhythm on that, but the rest of the time the defenses have just kind of kept them off balance.

- There hasn't been any consistency yet.

And that's one thing, one of my favorite Nick Saban quotes is if consistency were a place, there'd be very few residents.

And right now we're just not seeing that consistent offensive production.

We're seeing some, some defenders consistently make plays though.

- And let's take a look at the road to the super seven here for both of these teams, as you see central of Phoenix City defeating Auburn and then Mary Montgomery.

But Mary Montgomery had a great year.

They were undefeated going into that game and that was a dog fight.

Central came out with a win then Thompson got by a very good Vestavia team this year.

And het trustful was a challenge for them as well.

They had a very good football team this season.

- Yeah, I, I mean, you know, the path to this game is never easy and this year was no exception.

- Third and eight offered to throw under heavy pressure, throws it up for grabs and it's grabbed by the player in the Thompson jersey.

But the ball hits the ground and let's see what the official ruling is.

They're gonna say incomplete at the 40 yard line.

- Well, you know, one thing that Thompson has been able to do is they've been able to cover that, that three man set without having to bring their backside safety involved.

So he is a true free safety in the middle of the field and he's just playing, he's just playing center field.

I mean he's, he's, he's, he's reading off Alfred's eyes - Both, - We could pop right there - On both teams.

The defensive backs are too talented to throw up those 50 50 balls point like that time after time.

- Well, and you can see right there, he, he literally looks like a baseball center fielder sitting back there.

Looks like a guy that just goes back to the wall and robs someone of a home run and just great range and a great, great job by that young man.

- And here's Colin Freeberg, the junior punter and it's blocked.

It is blocked by Vinny Piz.

That's a second big play that he has made tonight.

You may recall number one, knock the ball loose earlier that created a turnover for Thompson.

And here he makes the big play on special teams.

Yeah, - He's gonna come right up the chute untouched Somebody missed an assignment in the middle and he took it right off the foot.

And boy Thompson has had two huge plays now in the kicking Him.

Watch, watch coming right from the left of your screen, you can see he's virtually untouched by first the front line and also by the personal protector.

- So Thompson comes up with a huge special teams play, gives the ball right back to their offense first in 10 at the central 11.

You know guys, it's time to get this first reference outta the way the last time Thompson was playing in this game, in this stadium.

We all remember what happened in that game against Auburn.

What a crazy finish in that game.

- Well and special teams were huge - In that yes, they were - In that science fiction ending to that game.

And they have been huge, huge, huge tonight in the, in the special teams.

And now what's important here is Thompson needs to get seven out of this.

- Yes.

- And Coach Freeman seems to think that this team reminds him of that 2021 team where nobody gives him a chance, but they're, but they won't die.

They won't go away and they keep stepping up to the plate.

- Well, you know, as you well know Wesley, you know, you know success breeds success and you know, they expect to win and they expect to do special things and you know, to be the man, you gotta beat the man and they are the man right now, - Third down in a long five for Thompson.

See going a long look to his sideline.

- That's a huge play, - Right?

Yeah, it is This you're right coach.

This is, this is a drive Thompson needs points and they're not gonna have the first down here.

Green is stopped about a yard short inside the five is gonna create fourth and a yard and a half.

- Alright, fourth and a yard and a half on the three yard line in the state championship game.

And you're down by seven.

What's your call?

- I'm an offensive lineman.

I'm running right behind me.

Me what you were gonna say.

Running right between the left guard, left tackle, and let's see what it goes.

But, but here I think some type of play action if you're gonna run this plate tight end, sneak into the corner.

- Coach Freeman sends on the field goal unit John McGuire, who's five of five on the season on field goals.

We'll try to put Thompson on the scoreboard and he does.

So the Warriors are on the board.

Central Phoenix City, leach Thompson.

Seven three.

Midway through the second quarter, we'll return to Bryant, Danny Stadium and our live coverage of the Super seven Championships presented by the Alabama community Colleges - Change lives and achieve your professional goals with a rewarding career at the Alabama Department of Human Resources, the state's provider of social services in all 67 counties, join our hardworking team that positively impacts the lives of children and families across Alabama.

Speak to a recruiter by calling 3 3 4 2 4 2 17 80 or emailing recruitments@dhr.alabama.gov - When driving, click the seatbelt, not the like button.

Mom is right.

Alabama has a code of the road and knowing it helps you follow it.

This is a message from your Alabama Department of Transportation when driving tap the brakes, not the like buddy.

No.

Alabama has a code of the road and knowing it helps you follow it.

This is a message from your Alabama Department of Transportation.

- As the longtime coach of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, coach Paul Bryant led the team to six national championships, 24 bowl games, 13 conference titles and three undefeated seasons.

He is widely considered the greatest college football coach of all time.

Hello, I'm John Crowel.

Defense event on the 1973 national championship team that went 11 and oh regular season.

In his 25 years at Alabama, coach Bryant's teams compiled 232, wins four six losses, and participated in 24 consecutive bowl games.

He was National Coach of the Year.

Three times his players received 67.

All American Honors and numerous Tide players went on to distinguished NFL careers.

Coach Bryant remains an integral part of the Alabama football tradition.

He established a scholarship fund for the children of former players to attend the university.

And to this day, tide fans wear Houndstooth in his memory.

- Lau's, a sophomore - Back live at Bryant, Danny Stadium in Tuscaloosa with our live coverage of the Super seven State Championships presented by Alabama Community Colleges here on Alabama Public television, Mickey Chadrick, coach Rick Rhodes, and also former Tide and NFL Star Wesley Britt joining us and hang with us through the end of the second quarter.

Right?

- Love him being here.

- All right, we're gonna keep you here.

There you see Coach Pat Nicks his team with a seven three lead.

But I think we all agree Mark Freeman, coach of Thompson made the right call there to get points in that situation.

You've - Gotta take the points way he can, especially this early in the game.

'cause at the, at the end of the game, that's gonna be something that separates the winner from loser.

- Well - I I think you don't want to come out of there with, with, with nothing.

And so you're on the board, you know, you got a little momentum.

One stat that's really interesting from this first quarter, Thompson has 25 yards rushing.

AJ Green, you know, their, their Stout ball carrier is averaging only 2.9 yards of carry.

And that is well off of his season average for sure.

- And this kick skids into the end zone, so it'll be a touchback in Central Phoenix City will take back over on offense with just under seven minutes to play here in the first half.

- Coach - You, let's go down to Christina on the field.

- That's - Number one for Thompson Block that punt.

And Coach says it's a joy to have him back on the field back in October, he had emergency surgery for appendicitis.

He woke up in the middle of the night, went in for surgery, he missed five weeks and didn't join the team back until the playoffs.

Coach says when he's on the field, you can sense his energy and he's electric coming up with big plays like the block punt.

- Great job Christina.

Appreciate that.

That's great insight there.

And a big play there is Williams is back in the game and I tell you what, he's the, he's the big play maker in this game so far.

- This is the zone.

It really does a nice job of pressing that off tackle hole and then bouncing that thing outside and showing pretty good speed once he got out there.

- Williams, a very good first half.

And - Again, he does average 11.8 yards a carry, which in most leagues is pretty darn good.

- Six carries up to 69 yards and averaging 11 and a half yards a carry in this game so far.

And they give it to him again.

Williams nice patience, gets a little push from behind and he's inside the 45 yard line for a gain of, we'll call it a three yard gain on first down, - You hit the nail right on the head, Mickey, he was very patient right there.

Stayed behind his blocker as long as he could and then was able to bounce that thing inside.

- That's - The kind of running back that offensive lineman love to block for, somebody's gonna fight for that extra half yard, he's gonna give them everything they got and stay behind you.

Trust your office line.

And - He did a good job of setting that those blocks up, you know, didn't run into a tackle.

Gave those big guys a chance to, to roll the pile under your - Belt.

- Second at seven, back to Williams again.

Cut off his feet at the 43 yard line.

Nice tackle there.

Made by Thompsons.

Tyler Hicks, the senior linebacker.

Gonna set up a third down and five.

- You know, one of the things that's that's so different about being a linebacker in modern football is you gotta be able to play out of the box and read an offensive scheme well enough to get in the box in a hurry in that time.

A really, really good job by that young.

- So big play here for the central offense.

Third and five, as they try to keep the drive alive, make to Williams, Alford puts it in the air and the pass is incomplete down at the 33 yard line.

It was intended for Coleman good coverage though that time by Jayden Brown of Thompson.

- Yeah, it really was.

Tried to do that little punch and pivot route that they hit in the, in the first quarter, but no separation that time it really, really nice job by that young man right there.

- So Wesley, here's another fort down.

What do you do here?

- You know, with the score being up seven three, I think I would, I would personally pun it, but with their firepower score in 44 a game, I can't argue with this going forward at this field position, - Hey, as a true broadcaster, I'm going forward every time - It's easy to say.

Right up here in the booth, offered fakes passes.

Caught.

It's a first down at the 27 yard line.

It was Dylan Gentry, his first grab of the nine.

And that'll move the chains.

- Yeah, 27 catches coming in.

This is a little turn in round.

And I tell you, that's a nice job of catching that ball off his back backside shoulder.

Watch him, he's gonna be moving to his right, the ball slightly behind.

He just plucks that thing right off his back shoulder.

That's not nearly as easy as he made it.

Look, - Coach, I would say he made the right call in going for that - And back to Williams.

And why not?

This young man has been a workhorse in the first half as he is knocking on the door of a hundred yards rushing in this first half.

By the way, Alfred is now over a hundred yards passing six for 10 after that previous pass for 115 yards.

Right?

- You know, he's made some impressive throws with the exception of, of those interceptions.

He's thrown some, some great balls.

- Second down at three Central, trying to answer the Thompson points on the previous drive.

- Getting - Late here in the first half, offered hands off to Williams.

Williams breaks it outside first down and more ducks his head and bulls his way inside the 10 yard line.

It's going to be first and goal for Central Phoenix City and Central back in the children's of Alabama Red Zone with a first and goal.

- And I don't know whether that was a predetermined counter or just a really good job of vision and patience and then using that speed once he got back out the, the outside.

- This is another example of putting together a drive.

Yes.

Yeah.

Not seeing the 25 yard plus we're seeing the drives.

- Here's Williams up the middle, stays on his feet and he's into the end zone for his second touchdown of the night.

- Well, the problem that that Thompson has right now is they're having to play with, you know, three down linemen and a single linebacker in the box and count on those edge guys to, you know, to work outside in.

And if that thing hits quick enough and there's enough daylight in a hurry, they just can't get back in there quick enough.

And that young man right there, you know, has made it a very, very difficult job for those outside linebackers to get back inside quickly enough.

- Here is Ethan Paul on to attempt the extra point.

Good snap, good hole, good kick.

And Central does have an answer to the Thompson field goal as they extend their lead to 14 to three.

As Williams having a huge first half, he is over a hundred yards rushing on 11 carries 101 yards, two touchdowns, which gives him 12 on the season.

And Wesley, we gotta give credit to the big guys up front because they're working, - Putting tandem here.

The hogs, big hogs are putting in the work and they're, and they're starting, they're starting to have an effect on this game.

And I think this will continue to be the story.

- Well, he's done a really good job of using those blockers to his advantage.

You, you saw a little bit of everything in there, brake brakes, tackles inside, you know, gives a little dip to the inside shows good speed to the outside.

I mean, he's been very, very complete on, on this, on this.

Very, very good second quarter so far.

For, for Central - Wesley, you've been talking about Drive, check out the al Safe drive there.

Eight plays, 80 yards.

That's, that's good.

That's solid.

That's solid.

It, - It really is.

I think they found the formula they'll continue to display action at, at some point Thompson's gonna move more, more defenders into the box and then here comes the shots.

It opens up the long ball.

- Well, you know, when you could run the ball like that, you end up throwing the football when you want to, not when you have to.

And that's, that's just a huge, huge difference.

- It's a good place to be.

- By the way.

Coming up at halftime, we will send it back down to the field and join Kevin Karski for our halftime show.

Live here at the seven A state championship game.

So stay with us here on Alabama Public television.

This kickoff filled it inside the 10 yard line.

- Look out, - Here comes a big return.

This is Thompson's Caleb Harris.

Boy Thompson needed that.

And they get a big return across the 50 yard line as they'll start this possession first down at the central 46.

- I'll tell you at this, to this point to this point, Thompson's kicking game has kept them in the game.

You gonna see this is right up the right sideline.

You can see pretty good job of caving in and kicking out black shots, co black shirts cover those white shirts and great field position for the Thompson Warriors.

- Caleb Harris has been the heart and soul of that defense, so I'm glad to see he's making an impact now on special teams as well.

- You know, this Thompson team trailed Hewitt trustful 10 to nothing midway through the second quarter of the seven, A semifinal game to come back and win that game, 21 to 10.

And here they face a 14 to three deficit here late in the first half.

But they do have time here to score before halftime.

- Well, and once again, you know, AJ Green and a really, really good running back for Thompson, pretty much held in check.

Only one yard on that inside run right there.

- Second and nine, seaborne escapes the pocket eyes downfield now he'll just take off and run and nice job by Seaborne picking up some positive yarders before stepping out of bounds at around the 43 yard line.

- Yeah, tried to run another combination route to, to the wide side of the field, nothing there but was able to get outside of contain and, and showed pretty good speed as he went down that sideline.

- And coach.

How mature of a play was that for a freshman quarterback to get what he can and get out bounds?

- You know, you can just throw everything about eighth and ninth grade out, out the window with this young man right here.

Incredible.

I mean, he is so far beyond his years, I've really never seen anything quite, - Quite like it.

Is it not a unique combination of youth and experience on this seven a stage at the same time, Seaborn just kind of gets rid of this one.

- Yep.

That was a busted plea.

I - I, I think I jinxed him all the way on that one because somebody went the wrong way.

There was no receiver in the area and he wisely just got rid of the football - And he opened up for the handoff to the right and the running back ran on his back to the left - Fourth and one at the central 37.

I don't think there's any doubt they're gonna go here.

- I I think they're pretty much need to, you know, you know, Seaburn iss kind of an interesting guy.

Of course he's, I think he's, I think he's from Hawaii originally.

They were in Colorado for a while, but if you, if you look at his highlights right there, you're gonna see him jump up in the, in the stands with a band still in his football uniform.

And this, this guy can play a pretty good sax, lemme tell you, he didn't have that little one either.

He had that big one, you know, what is it?

I don't what they call that.

I don't know the base.

I don't know anything about saxophones, but I mean, he was grooving with it, I'm telling you.

So he, he's a very, very talented young man and of course, you know, really a generational talent.

- And with Boron Sea Bourne, let's head back down to the field and hear from Christina.

- That's right.

Well, Trent obviously talking about his many talents, he can play the saxophone a lot of times after practice.

He will join the band that plays at basketball games.

But one of the most interesting things that coach told me was he can do a Rubik's Cube in 90 seconds.

He's always has a Rubik's Cube in his hands walking down the hallways.

So you're talking about a talented quarterback who has many talents, whether it's playing the saxophone or doing a Rubik's cube in 60 seconds.

Ask Coach if he can do that.

And he said no.

It makes his head hurt.

- Thanks Christina.

- Yeah, he's, - He's definitely way ahead of his years here.

I mean, again, just a ninth grader.

It's, it's hard to get past that when you think about it.

You know, last year he wasn't the starter beginning of the year came on and led them to a state championship.

Here it is his job and is his job.

It appears to be for a while.

And young man has just done a great job at such a young age.

And here on fourth and Shore, Thompson's gonna pick up a huge first down.

And that was very hard running there by AJ Green.

- Yeah, for a minute it looked like he was gonna be stopped a little bit short and he just powered his way, worked a little bit to the outside.

Watch him right here.

It looks like he's gonna be stymied.

Watch him roll to the outside, lower that shoulder and pick up a big, big first stop - To a 18 and counting here in the first half, first in 10 at the central 33 Seaborn an off again and green.

Not much there.

That was just great job coming up from the secondary there by Zol Eckles.

- Nice job by green though to dip it outside and pick up a pick up A couple just, you know, again, the feeling that you have is that Thompson has just not been able to establish the kinda rhythm that they want to against this central defense that has proven to be pretty stingy to this point.

- Only a hundred yards of total offense here in this first half for Thompson Al Green.

A big run here is he picks up the first down and just short of the 20 yard line.

Good blocking there.

Wesley had a big hole to run through.

- Yeah, absolutely.

And this is a defense too that's had 39 sacks this year.

You got 2D one caliber commits off people with offers on his defense line and Thompson's handling them.

They're doing a great job.

- Pretty nice job that time by Gabriel Binion the, the HVAC to, to kick out and open up that hole.

- So another Alabama Natural Gas Association timeout.

We'll keep it right here.

A minute 49 to play in the first half.

Once again halftime.

We'll send it down to the field and Kevin Scarbin Willinsky will take over and have the halftime show four for you.

And then, we'll obviously it's like we're setting up for a pretty good second half here at the seven.

A state championship - Game.

You know, it's interesting, both these teams, you know, have, have really, I mean glamorous quarterbacks, they have great receiving core, but championship ship football always gets down to one thing who can run the football.

And if you can't run the football and championship play, you're gonna have a hard time winning.

If you, if you look at the drives that both teams have had, they have been run oriented first.

When you can run the football, you can put up those kind of numbers in the passing game.

There's - A look at the quarterback comparison coming in to tonight's game.

Both, both young men have had great seasons of course offered in central Phoenix City.

The top scoring team in seven A this year offered what a season he has had.

- Well 25 touchdowns is, is just outstanding.

44 touchdowns in the season is, is just really remarkable.

- Over 2300 yards and the 2300 yards for Seaburn, which is impressive.

But 3,300 yards on the other side is just incredible.

- Only two interceptions against those 44 touchdowns.

So first in 10 Thompson and green football, football was stripped out of there by number 45 Brennan core, the sophomore linebacker, I tell you that was just a great heads up play by core there as he clearly saw the ball and just reached right in and took it away.

- Yeah, you can see that, you know this, this play is pretty well defended right here.

The play is was just about all, watch him rip that ball out with that right hand and Johnny on the spot right there.

And I guarantee you that's not the first time that that's been done by that central defense.

I bet they've done it thousands of time in practice.

Just a great, great defensive turnover, great effort man.

What a big play.

That was - A huge play going in to have a chance to get points on the Bo points on the board right for half - And a big running play here for Zach Simmons Brown.

That's his biggest rush of the night so far.

He's pretty much been kept in check till that play.

But we do have a flag back at the 24th.

So this is coming back with a holding call.

- I think we'll look back on that turnover as the most influential play of the game.

Yeah, - Yeah, it's an asterisk play.

I mean that's a big - Play.

It is the biggest play of the game to this point.

No doubt about it.

That's at least a potential.

Seven points could - Be more, at least 10 - Yards from - This.

And that's a big penalty right there too.

We - Play first and not to mention - The momentum, the feeling, the psychology, when you go in high school athletes go into the locker room for halftime - There.

I think we saw the, the hole there by number 10, Jacob Tenney right there.

- So - They'll bring it back and spot it inside the 15.

- So that's about a 53 yard penalty.

- Hmm.

- So first in 18 clock continues to count down here in the first half.

- You wanna be careful here if, if your central, you certainly wanna try to get something going, but you don't wanna turn this ball over deep in your own territory.

- Ground stopped after only eight three, - It looks like they're content on running the ball.

Just run the clock.

Getting to have time with Lee.

- Yeah, - You wonder if they'll take a shot here with to Coleman or one of the good receivers and you know those that receiving corps has been pretty quiet to this point.

- Yeah, no question.

Central is going to be content with a 14 three lead here at halftime.

Yep.

Taking their time here.

- We're certainly in the driver's seat going back in - Second and 14.

Brown tackled after a gain of one third and long.

And that will bring us to, we're gonna get a time out here by Thompson - Harris.

- Well they would love to get another shot to see if they can block another one.

- Time out Thompson time out the first half.

- Well you know Thompson, we talked about that game the last time Thompson was here inside this stadium.

That was the crazy finish against Auburn that they won 29 to 28 back in 2020.

And that was a game that looked like it was, it was Auburn's all the way.

And somehow - Unfortunately I have to say that, you know, - Game pop operator, please reset the - Game pop.

And you know what's amazing, 24 seconds, what's amazing about that 24 - Seconds - Is that, 'cause everybody in the stadium thought this game was over except, except Thompson.

And this is the block kick that's gonna, that's gonna start it right here.

And there's some very unusual things about that that we don't have time to go into right now, but certainly a great, a great play by Thompson.

There's the onside kick and there's some unusual things about that one we don't have time to talk about too, but a great job by, by Thompson on covering this.

And then here's the first of the interference calls, which legitimate calls.

And then here's the, here's the streak down the middle, hands on the back again and here's the winning field going on.

Here's what is so remarkable about this.

How many yards of offense did Thompson gain and all that?

Zero.

Not one offensive yard was gained, it was all done by special teams and by penalties.

- And this is brown taking it out across the 30, that'll actually be a first down.

And I think you see Coach Freeman taking off the headsets and I think both teams are gonna be content to let the first half close out here so it'll reset the change and start up the clock and there we go.

- Both teams have gotten out of this first half with some pretty remarkable mistakes of the turnovers.

It's a mental error.

So I think both teams should be happy with where they are, but figuring out how to make those adjustments going in the second half should be crucial.

- No I Wesley, I think, I think you're exactly right.

It, it's been kind of a, hasn't been a smooth going - And let's send it down to Susan Caruthers who's standing by with Coach Nicks.

- Hey coach, we knew this game was gonna be a grind.

Your team's in the driver's seat going into halftime.

What do you adjust in the locker room to make sure you maintain this lead?

- I think, you know, obviously gotta do a little bit better job tackling them.

We didn't, we didn't tackle, I didn't think great the first half.

They did a great job of having some different looks for us on offense.

We gotta be able to continue to run the football think's gonna be the key on offense and protect the football.

You can't turn the ball over when we got down in the red zone.

But thank goodness we got the turnover on them so it balanced its way back out.

- Good luck coach.

Thanks so much.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Alright, thanks.

Susan Thompson, central Phoenix City seven a state championship game.

Red Devil's head to the locker room with a 14 to three leading.

Wesley, thanks for stepping in, in spending some time with us here in the second quarter.

- It's unbelievable to be here.

So proud to be here.

- And there's Clemson, coach Dabo Sweeney.

Wesley.

- Dabo Sweeney who recruited me to the University of Alabama.

I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for that man.

That's great.

He's like a follow to me.

That's - Awesome, Wesley, thanks so much.

It won't be seeing you for the rest of the week here at the super seven Again, Kevin Scar, bisky coming up with your halftime report from down on the field as we go to break.

What a first half for Williams, 101 yards rushing two touchdowns, his team with a 14 three lead.

- We all make choices about alcohol.

Kids make choices whether to drink or not.

Bye dad.

- Bye-Bye.

- Remember I'm going to Alex's party tonight and sleeping - Over.

You have fun.

Ham, - Remind me about that party again.

- And adults make choices whether to talk about it that's true of parents and every other trusted adult in a kid's life.

Kids want to know our expectations and they want honest answers in everyday conversations.

So talk with your kids and help lead them on a positive path because when you talk, they hear you.

- This season, your football traditions and your holiday traditions team up.

Fill your holidays with good cheer at the 76 Birmingham Bowl December 23rd at Protective Stadium.

- Since 1997, Alabama public television has provided programs, services, and resources to childcare professionals, teachers and parents.

Visit apv.org/education to learn more.

- Born in Fairfield, Alabama.

Willie Mays is one of the greatest baseball players to ever play the game in 22 major league seasons, mostly with the New York and later San Francisco Giants.

Mays had a 302 lifetime batting average and amassed 3,283 hits, 660 home runs and an untouchable total of 7,095.

Career Putouts from the outfield Mace was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1951 and played a significant role in the New York Giants World Series victory in 1954.

The most memorable moment in May's career occurred in the first game of that series when he made a running over the shoulder catch at the warning track.

Popularly known as the catch mayes earned two MVP awards was awarded 12 gold gloves, made 24 all Star game appearances and was a first ball hall of fame inductee in 1979.

In 2015, president Barack Obama awarded MAs a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

- Welcome back to Bryant Denny Stadium.

We are at halftime of the Class seven A state championship game.

The drive for five is in jeopardy.

Thompson High School trying to win its fifth straight state championship trailing central Phoenix City, 14 to three.

It has been a festival of turnovers so far through the first half of this game.

Fumbles, interceptions, a blocked punt and lots and lots of defense has kept the score down.

But Central Phoenix City looks really strong.

It's running game has been very effective.

They've been able to punch it into the end zone twice.

Thompson has not.

And they were only able to turn a blocked field goal into a, a blocked punt into a field goal.

Hence the score 14 to three Central Phoenix City.

None of what happens here this week happens without the support, the generosity of so many supporters, so many sponsors.

And one of the core foundation sponsors of Alabama high school athletics is Encore Rehabilitation.

We're pleased to be joined by the CEO Paul Henderson.

Paul, thank you for joining us.

Well - Thank you for having me, - Paul.

This is how much fun is it just for you to be involved and for Encore to be involved year in and year out, month in and month out, helping to keep these athletes healthy and really supporting high school athletics throughout the state of Alabama.

Well, - It's a lot of fun.

You know, this is our 20th year and so we've seen the state championships grow not only in numbers but in a lot of different sports and encore's there with every one of 'em to be sure if they need us, we're there, if they injuries occur, we're there to help.

- Let everyone know exactly what Encore does because you know, I know personally the trainers, the physical, the all the different services that you provide, but how do you work with the A-H-S-A-A to make sure, as you said, to keep those athletes healthy?

- Yeah, well the encore, our, our company we're a rehabilitation company, Alabama and Tennessee and Mississippi.

And we hit do physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, speech therapy.

We cover about 250 high schools and colleges in those states.

And we have athletic trainers there for around the year for every sport.

And with the high school association, you know, we're we're able to, wherever the state tournament is for whatever sport, we'll have some athletic trainers there.

And then we do some other things throughout the year without Alabama, the high school athletic association to show our support.

- You're talking about a lot of high schools?

Oh yes.

A lot of events.

How many athletic trainers work with you through Encore?

- We probably have close to 250 athletic trainers and then several physical therapists.

And so we kind of are there when the injury occurs.

You work with a lot of physicians over those states and then once they go through their surgery or through the doctor, then we see 'em for the rehabilitation with the goal of getting 'em back on the field as quickly as possible.

- Athletic trainers are kind of the unsung heroes of high school athletics, are they not?

Well, - They put in a lot of time.

I mean, to be an athletic trainer, you know, you gotta be willing to be there at 6:00 AM for early morning workouts and then you gotta be there at 10 or 11 o'clock at the end of the game.

And so they put in a lot of hours and, and a lot of training and so yes, they, they they are hard workers.

- You mentioned how these Alabama High School Athletic Association championship events have grown through the years.

How much has Encore grown through the years as well?

- Well, I I worked with Decatur Sidelines in 1981, so that's, that's when we first started our company and then we've grown since then.

And so we've, we've we've been blessed with a lot of good employees, a lot of good therapists, a lot of good support from doctors and, and other companies.

And so we, we've we've had some really good growth over the years.

- Well, again, these kind of events don't happen without the generosity of people like Paul Henderson, companies like Encore Rehabilitation, I imagine what, 20 years now you said Paul?

- Yes.

Yeah, our other owner, Paige pla from Mobile, and he and I started 20 years ago with the High School Association and we actually started a company in 1981.

And so we've, we've had the joy of seeing a lot of good athletes come through, a lot of rehabilitation to get 'em back in, into their sport.

- So where does this event and well, we've got, I'm I Paul, we've gotta, I'm sorry, we've gotta cut it short.

We gotta go to a break.

Thank you so much for everything that you do that Encore does.

We're gonna go to a break when we come back, we'll be joined by some more guests here at halftime Bryant.

Denny Stadium, central Phoenix City, 14 to three.

We'll be right back - The internet, it's how we learn, experience and connect to the world.

But all of that powerful information needs a really powerful home.

A data center like this world, world-class facility.

We invested $600 million to build right here in Alabama.

But keeping the world's information at your fingertips isn't all we do.

Our data center supports thousands of jobs.

We provide resources to our community and generate more than a billion dollars for the state economy.

We are doing our part for a better Alabama, because Alabama is our home too.

- There's power in the simplest of actions like one neighbor helping another where everybody looks out for everybody else.

Community is everything to the electric cooperatives of Alabama.

And we're grateful for your trust to provide the energy you need, giving you the power to power on your Alabama electric cooperatives.

Empowering lives, empowering communities.

- Are you ready to take your career to the next level?

With laws state community college's adult education program, you can earn your high school credential for free.

You may be eligible upon graduation for two free courses that will assist in transitioning into post-secondary education where you can choose from college transfer to career technical options.

Take the first step towards a brighter future.

Enroll in Lawson State Community College's adult education program today and discover the path to your dream career.

- Alabama Public Television is your place for quality educational services, free professional development for educators and childcare providers with access to free curriculum aligned videos, lesson plans and instructional resources with PBS learning media and all the PBS kids programs, parents know and trust, learn something new every day with Alabama Public Television.

Visit us at apv.org/education to learn more.

- And we're back here at Bryant Denny Stadium, halftime of the seven A state championship game, central Phoenix City 14 Thompson three can Thompson comeback and win that fifth straight title.

You wanna see the second half?

But first we've got some special guests helping to make these kind of events happen.

The Alabama Community College System, the president of Lorlene b Wallace Community College, Dr. Brock Kelly.

Yes, sir.

And in between Cory Bowling, the executive director of the Alabama Home Builders Foundation, one of the things that I've learned guys about the Alabama Community College system is just the breadth of programs that it offers, the people it touches in this state workforce development.

So important.

How have the two groups that you represent combined to help this state in that area?

- Well, I'll go ahead and get it started.

Yeah, I'll say that it, it's, it's tough to quantify what the, the impact is from the community college system across the state.

You know, we, we are the one entity I believe that can touch a, a student all the way at elementary age to create the awareness of what's in their community and at the middle school age, create the exploration for what's in their community, allow them to explore different types of careers, and then the high school level in the dual enrollment realm, we could get 'em into our programs.

And then with Cory, LBW partnered with the Home Builders Association and we, we provided a non-credit track for adult education and it was a tremendous success.

And it's just the, the, the spectrum that the community college of the people that we can touch is, is endless.

- Corey, how does that work from your perspective?

- Well, we work with them quite a bit.

One of the ways we do it is we provide scholarships for individuals looking to go into the trades.

Either they have a carpentry program down there, they're looking to start an electrical program as well.

So we provide scholarships to individuals looking to go into those trades, whatever it may be, carpentry, masonry, whatever it is.

So we work with the community colleges a lot as far as our scholarship program goes.

- How big is the need for skilled workers in those fields?

- Oh, it's, it's huge.

I mean, the average age of a construction worker right now is about 50, 50 years old, which, you know, it's not very old, but you know, the people coming in, you know, for every four workers we lose, we only bring in one.

So there's a huge need for construction workers.

- And when people think of education, they don't necessarily think of, they think of taking English or math or science.

But again, those skilled trades obviously very, very important to the state rep. - Oh, absolutely.

They're tremendously important and they continue to be important.

I think the legislators see that.

I think the whole community sees that.

And from a community college point of view, anytime that we can get our community on our campus to see what type of programs that we have to offer, I think that opens the eyes of our community.

And no matter what, we're industry driven and we take what the industry tells us.

We have advisory councils that come in and say, Hey, I think you should do this.

I think this is working.

Here's what we're seeing.

This is the product you're putting out.

And we take that advice and we transform what we're doing at the community college to meet the needs and put out a good product for industry.

- Cory, you talked about the need for younger people to bring 'em into this, into this mix is what is the breadth though of age range that we're talking about who take these type of classes?

- It's a, it's a wide range of, of ages.

I mean, so our scholarship committee, this, this year we meet in April.

We had somebody apply for a scholarship that was 47 years old.

So it could be one of those things.

It's majority of them aren't college a students obviously.

But we will have individuals that, you know, maybe they're looking to provide a little bit better for their family.

So they're looking to go into the community college system and, and, and learn a trade and make a lot more money for their family.

- Well, go ahead.

- No, I was just gonna say, you know, with, with everything that we have doing going on right now, we have what's called a Skills for Success program.

It's free for industry, it's free for the individual that takes the courses.

And we have a great placement rate with people who go through that course and get hired.

And that's what it's all about is we're trying to put people to work.

Labor participation rate is something big that we always talk about the community college system and that's huge thing that we've gotta focus on here in the next few years to be successful across the state and put ourselves on the map nationwide economically.

- Dr. Brock, Kelly, Cory Bowling, thank you so much for what you're doing for the people of Alabama every single day.

We've gotta run to a break.

We'll be right back here at Bryant Denny Stadium.

- I'm Todd Stacey, host of Capital Journal here on a PT.

Each week we cover the stories that matter from your government, whether it's what's happening in the Alabama legislature or the latest from our congressional delegation in Washington DC We bring Alabama's top leaders to you.

Be sure to watch Capitol Journal Friday night at seven 30 and Sundays at noon here on Alabama Public television, - Everyone knows what the big man wants.

Yep.

Bacon Jackson's bringing a slay load of bacon to its southern favorites.

There's the big BLT chicken, BLT and our bacon double cheeseburger.

It's a bacon wonderland out there.

- Are you an enthusiastic sports fan?

Want to have fun and get in on the action?

Heck yes, that'd be awesome.

Have great attention to detail.

Want to stay active?

Definitely want to give back to the student athletes in your community, obviously yes.

Then you'd make an excellent high school sports official.

We need more officials in Alabama because with no high school officials, there are no high school sports.

Sign up today@highschoolofficials.com.

- Alright, all right.

Back here at halftime of the Class seven A championship game.

The drive for five is in jeopardy.

Jack Williams, central Phoenix City, looking very strong in the first half, they're up 14 to three.

Jack Williams from Alabama Public Television with us.

And Jack, first of all, the folks from the Alabama community college system that are helping to bring these broadcasts to people throughout the state of Alabama.

How important is their support?

- Oh, - It's, it's invaluable.

I mean, and, and we sat down and thought we were natural partners.

We're both statewide operations and they go into the four corners of Alabama, just like Alabama Public television.

And we're thrilled to partner with the community colleges.

- It is amazing to me again, the depth of and breadth of programs they offer people.

They touch dual enrollment for high school students.

My sons took advantage of that as so many high school students do a great offering.

But again, the workforce development, - Workforce development with the home builders.

And we, we got, we've had such great partners this year with home builders, rural electric, aldot, we've just been amazing.

Alabama partner of Environmental management, a EM is a new, a new underwriter this year.

We're incredibly grateful for all of our underwriters and we'll be mentioning more of them as the weekend goes along, so - Well, you know, we're watching two great football teams right here, but it takes a team to put together a, a broadcast like this, an event like this and certainly a PT You've assembled a pretty strong team.

- Well our, you know, the, the production staff is great.

Our staff has done a great job.

We've been working on this for months now and they've done a great job putting this together and I'm really grateful for my, put my colleagues that I worked with that, that have helped get us, get us here to get us across the finish line.

- So, and how cool is it at the far end zone in the first half you've got Dabo Sweeney from Clemson.

He's here watching Cornell Williams from Auburn.

He's here watching Antonio Langham who played at Alabama.

He's down, he's now coaching at Miles College.

I didn't know that until tonight.

- And I was talking to Bo Nicks in the, in the other end zone after the ha as the teams were going - In Bo Nicks, who's gonna be at the Heisman ceremony on Saturday night.

We wish the best of luck to him as he, he's one of the four finalists.

We don't know who's gonna win, we hope.

Of course he brings it home.

- And then we've had Wesley bred on staff and in the, in the booth.

- So doesn't get much better than this.

Alright, so we're gonna get outta here.

We're almost time for the second half of the seven eight championship game.

Can Central Phoenix City Spring, what would be considered an upset or can Thompson come back, come back with us here in Bryant.

Denny - Jefferson State is the best choice for my education.

You can get a jumpstart on college by completing college credit while still in high school, or - Get an associate degree in one of Jeff State's high demand career programs and start earning great pay right away.

- How about saving thousands in tuition by starting at Jefferson State, then transferring to a four year university.

And with online classes and four convenient campuses, I can earn a degree around my schedule.

- Find your place at Jefferson State registration going on now.

- There's power in the simplest of actions like one neighbor helping another where everybody looks out for everybody else.

Community is everything to the electric cooperatives of Alabama.

And we're grateful for your trust to provide the energy you need, giving you the power to power on your Alabama electric cooperatives.

Empowering lives, empowering communities - When driving share the road.

Not a post - That - Alabama has a code of the road and knowing it helps you follow it.

This is a message from your Alabama Department of Transportation when driving, wear a seatbelt, not a filter.

- What - Alabama has a code of the road and knowing it helps you follow it.

This is a message from your Alabama Department of Transportation, - The internet, it's how we learn, experience and connect to the world.

But all of that powerful information needs a really powerful home.

A data center like this world-class facility, we invested $600 million to build right here in Alabama.

But keeping the world's information at your fingertips isn't all we do.

Our data center supports thousands of jobs.

We provide resources to our community and generate more than a billion dollars for the state economy.

We are doing our part for a better Alabama, because Alabama is our home too.

- And back to Bryant Danny Stadium here on the campus, the University of Alabama, home to the super seven this week.

And we are at halftime of the seven A state championship game.

There you see our score, central Phoenix City leading the four time defending champions from Thompson High School, 14 to three here at halftime.

And the first half Coach Rhodes really the story, the first half was the play of this young man, number 24, Tristan Williams.

He came on early in the first quarter and really was dominant.

He has over a hundred yards rushing here at halftime on just 11 carries.

He has scored both of Central's touchdowns in the first half.

Yeah.

- And he really has been the difference in the first half, 101 yards, 9.9 yards a carry a little off his season average of 11.6, but still pretty salty.

- And let's send it down to the field, Christina, standing by with Coach Freeman, - Coach some costly turnovers in the first half.

What do you need to do on offense to sustain drives and find that rhythm?

- Well, I mean, first drive, we got a great drive going.

It's a play.

We worked all week and we, we don't make the right decision with football and, and that stops the drive and we go down here, we fumble in the going in the red zone, I think it's red zone fumble and we got touchdown, you know, to big buddy going in, you know, we just gotta go make plays and s execute plays.

I mean you, we go in there looking at film and it's, it's really, we gotta get a, we can't let them go for on fourth down.

We gotta make 'em pay for it when they go on fourth down and get the ball back.

It's nothing, you know, we just gotta go make plays and, and trust what we did.

All we can practice and, and you know, that's all we can ask the guys to do.

We had a good plan and we've got some stuff we've gotta go back to it, but, you know, just mix it up.

They're, they're really tough to run the ball on so we have to mix it up.

But you, you gotta run the football this time of year, so we gotta go create ways to run the football and take advantage of the opportunities when we have it.

Alright coach, thanks so much.

Thank you.

- Ed Thompson did win the toss so they deferred and will receive the ball to begin the second half.

And coach, here's a look at the halftime numbers and it's, it's stunning that Thompson is sitting here, 110 yards of total offense in the first half.

And then when you consider all of the mistakes that central made in the first half to still only have 110 yards and three points.

- Yeah, really six un unforced errors.

If you, you know, if, if you count, you know, the block punt, the muff punt two fumbles an interception, one TD called back.

I mean, and to still be ahead 14 to three and I think Coach Freeman hit the nail right on the head.

And I, I think you could, could hear the frustration in his voice right there because they just have not been able to get any kind of offensive rhythm.

You see only 50 yards rushing, only 110 yards total offense.

And, and as he said, this time of year, you've got to be able to run the football and you gotta be able to run it effectively and they just have not been able to able to do that.

So I'm sure it's a frustrating Thompson team right now, but still a a long, long way to go.

This guy's been the story so far, - Central has had a little more success rushing the football here in the first half.

Thanks in large part to the play of junior Tristan Williams again know 101 yards rushing in the first half and two touchdowns and he has been the spark plug for this central Phoenix city team who is trying to complete the perfect season and knock off the four time defending state champs.

- Well, you know, if you look at the rushing, you know, totals, but look at, look at the stats.

You know, Thompson's rushing for a right at three yards of carry central of Phoenix City is, is, is rushing for 6.2 yards of carry.

That's double.

And that's, that's, that's huge in this game.

- And there's Coach Patrick Nicks on the left and Mark Freeman on the right both making their halftime adjustments and we'll get set for what is gonna be a really important series for Thompson.

Again, they will receive the ball to start the second half and, And down 14 to three.

It'll be a big opportunity for them to kind of get some momentum back right away in the second half.

And to recap the road to the super seven for both of these teams.

First off, for Central Phoenix City, they get by Auburn in the second round.

Then again, we mentioned the, the tough game with Mary Montgomery that went into that game.

Undefeated, they had a great season, congratulations to them.

Best in school history Central really had to fight to win that game, 21 to seven and Thompson had to fight to get here as well.

Este Hills is a very good team this year.

They got by them 34 14 and then they actually trailed Hewitt trustful 10 to nothing in the second quarter of their game in round three in the semi-finals.

And they did come back and win that game 21 to 10.

So they've been in this spot before, but this is, this is gonna be a tough row to hoe here in the second - Half.

No, it, it, it will be.

But I can tell you right now, both these teams both think there's no doubt that they're gonna win this football game.

I mean, there's a lot of confidence on both sides.

You know, we learned, we learned a long time ago not to ever count to Thompson out of a football game.

And, and, and Central knows that if they can clean their game up, they're gonna be mighty, mighty tough to beat.

So it, it's gonna be a heck of a second half the, the match of Witts between Coach Freeman and Coach Nicks.

That'll be a big part of this story as well.

And here we go - And Ethan Paul, to kick it off as we begin the second half short kick fielded at the 10 yard line and a good return here.

Caleb Harris, he's had a couple of good returns in the game already and he brings this one out across the 40 to give Thompson good field position to start the first drive of the second half.

- Well, they kind of picked up right where they left off in, you know, in winning decisively the kicking game.

And there's no doubt that Thompson, you know, has made huge, huge plays in their kicking game all day.

And I think this first drive is really important.

Both each teams are gonna make a statement as to how they're gonna approach the second half right now.

It's a very key part of this game.

- AJ Green, the Thompson running back held to only 43 yards on 14 carries as the central defense doing a good job keeping him in check.

And they are gonna sack Trent Seaborne on the first play of the second half.

And this central Phoenix city defensive front coach, they are really solid.

They got a couple of big time college prospects on that defensive line.

- Yeah, they really do.

I I Isaiah Fea right there, three, three star prospect that Bama is courting very heavily that nine sacks coming into this game and just added to that total - Second down Seaborn dumps it off the green out of the backfield and he is ran out of bounds there by Monte Eccles.

And here's a third down and long here for Tomon.

So not quite exactly how they wanted to start this drive.

Now that - Little swing round out of the backfield again, just kind of a little check down and Central did a nice job of breaking up on it.

And, and this is a big, big third down and 14 - Red devils rush.

Four Seaborn gets to pass away and it is incomplete down at the 45 yard line once again, seems like this young man, Monte Eccles has been involved in every pass play Thompson has tried tonight.

He is done a good job in coverage.

Yeah, - He, he really has.

There was a little back shoulder throw that I don't, I don't know.

It looked like again, they, they had their wires crossed just a little bit.

I I really don't know what kind of route that that Land Landry was was running right there.

He looked like he was running a streak route and the ball was thrown off his back shoulder.

- Eccles just a junior also for Central Phoenix City.

So right away, a three and out for Thompson after the Good Kick returned by Caleb Harrison.

It is a short kick and a fair catch.

Called for and dropped again.

And Thompson's recovered their second muff punt by central of Phoenix City in this game.

Well, - You know, just to elaborate on, on, on what we talked about earlier, that ball is kicked extremely high and you know, you know, you're in a little bit different setting here now.

I mean the light structure here, the, you know, the upper decks, you, you know, high school guys aren't used to seeing that.

And you can see the Thompson guys, I mean, you know, I I'm sure the returner can smell their breath, you know, they're that close to him and again, the elbows are out and not in and another huge, huge kicking game mistake by by central and that is great.

Done a great job by Thompson.

- That is Kayla Fox there, you see him, he's the long snapper getting down and recovering the muff punt.

So Thompson gets another opportunity here - That is like a replay of the first half.

- Yes.

So a pre-snap penalty here, central saying it's against Thompson and Thompson saying it's against Central and we will get the decisive word from Kirby Michaels.

- It looks like it's gonna go against the black shirts, big penalty, - Pre-snap penalties, drive coaches crazy.

- They absolutely do.

Matter of fact, there's a lot of things in this game that'll drive coaches crazy.

- So first in 15 for Thompson at the central 36, and we've got a shift by the central defensive front and creating some movement on that Thompson offensive line.

- False start offense, five yards first - Down.

That's one of those.

If it was college or professional football, they would say illegal procedure by everybody on the offense.

But the center, well you, you get a turnover now it's first in 20 and that's kind of the way the night has gone for for Thompson tonight, still in four down territory, - Seaborn looking to throw drifting backwards in trouble, just gets rid of it.

Yeah, good coverage down.

Fill the defensive line of Central Phoenix city, collapsing the pocket around Seaborn.

- Now here's the significance of those two penalties right here.

Instead of first in 10, in four down territory on the 30 yard line.

Now you've got a first in 20, obviously 10 yards further back.

But that completely changes the mindset of that, of that defensive front.

Watch them lay their ears back and just come and watch that pocket collapse.

And very fortunate there that that wasn't another big, big minus yardage play.

- So second down in 20 Seaborn throws down the middle of the field, it's caught at the 20 yard line, great adjustment by Kobe Hearn.

That is his first catch of the night.

And it's a big one.

It's a first down, - Well this is a seam route and you know, you send guys down both hash and throw opposite the deep coverage, the underneath coverage makes a fatal mistake as they stop and try to play from the ball back to the man instead of playing from the man back to the ball, just a clutch, clutch throwing catch.

And Thompson picks up a big, big first down, - They needed 20, they got 21 first down at the 18 Seaborn looks left, throws right, and it is caught for the touchdown.

Going up to make the catch was Jayden Kelly Campbell.

First time he's been targeted tonight.

- Well this, this is a nice throw to the outside where only the offensive band can get to it.

Nice job of high pointing the ball and bringing that thing in.

- I didn't see it real quick.

- You talk about two clutch plays by that young man right there and by the Thompson offense.

And it has completely turned this game around - John McGuire.

- So here's John McGuire on to attempt the extra point and right down the middle, - How about that Mickey?

Wow, did this game just flip in a hurry.

- Championship pedigree of this Thompson Warrior football team showing up here to begin the second half.

- One thing we learned over the years, you just can't count these guys out.

- Here's the muff punt that got things going in Thompson's direction.

And then here is Seabourne going down the middle of the field, that seam route that you talked about caught there by Colby Hearn.

And then the look left and the look right, good coverage too, but just great job by high pointing that football by Jayden, Kelly Campbell.

- And, and Campbell is, is not the tallest guy in the world.

He's, he's about five nine.

But he went up there and, and, and as you said, got to the top of that ball and pulled it in just like you practice it.

- And Monte Eccles was right there in great coverage again.

- Yep.

Well, when you get those kind of turnovers, you know, you, you, you want to turn 'em into seven and the the first muff punt, they, they got three out of and this one they turned into a touchdown and boy did this game change in a hurry.

And Coach Nick's expression right there kind of, kind of tells it all about where we are right now.

- There's the l.drive, safe scoring drive, three plays, 31 yards, again the fumble punt setting it all up for Thompson as the Warriors have pulled to within 14 to 10.

So here's the kick to essential great coverage here by Thompson.

You can tell Momentum has clearly shifted and the Warrior's favorite, that ball came loose at the end.

But the official, I think is saying the play is ruled dead at the 11 yard line.

- Well again, this is special teams that, that frankly Thompson has just dominated.

I mean this is great coverage right here.

Big hit right there.

Tries to fight off the first one, but great pursuit right here.

And you know, Muff, Muff kicks, block kicks and now great coverage which has central operating from their own 10 yard line - Offered over the middle, passed this, completed the 22 yard line and the receiver taken down immediately on the reception that time.

Daylon Upshaw, that is his third grab of the night.

- Another guy that's getting a lot of looks.

Had 58 catches for over 1100 yards.

Been relatively quiet tonight that came off that play.

Fake and run that little turn in route for a very positive first down, which is something frankly that the Red Devils really needed at that point.

- Andrew Alford getting his player set up for this first down.

And it is a give right up the middle and a good run here by Zach Simmons Brown, who had 10, carries for 37 yards in that first half.

And here he picks up 11 yards.

So back to back first downs here for Central Phoenix City and - They're working that left side pretty consistently.

Again, mal waldrop, the 6 4 290 pound left tackle.

They're going behind him on a pretty regular basis now.

- So - Central Phoenix City quickly turns poor field position into pretty good field position out at the 33.

And we're gonna have a timeout taken here by central Phoenix City.

It is an Alabama Natural Gas Association timeout.

It comes with nine 18 to play here in the third.

- You know, Mickey, I still feel like that, you know, again, using a boxing analogy, we, you know, we got two teams that are just jabbing and, and, and punching and just, you know, exchanging blows in the middle.

Nobody can, you know, get those combinations set up.

It's just very, very hard for either one of these teams to get in a consistent offensive rhythm.

And if, if Thompson is able to come, come back and win this game, I think Central is gonna really ru you know, now it's up to six unforced errors that we have right here.

Tough to win when you have that many mistakes.

- Oh, we've got a pause in the action.

Let's bring in Christina down on the field.

- Yeah, you saw Colbin Landry with that touchdown catch on that last drive.

And he is actually a basketball player.

He has several offers from Auburn, Alabama.

Coach says he's at least six five and he's a guy they go to for those jump balls, the 50 50 balls.

He has really good hands and he always finds the high point to the ball and they lean him on him a lot in clutch moments like that.

And that touchdown bringing Thompson with him for, - Yeah, we appreciate the correction there.

We had that.

We credited that to the wrong young man that was Landr with the touchdown.

And here a big play here by the Thompson defense.

- Well that, well, that's six five makes a lot of - Sense.

Yes it does.

Yeah.

- And apologies for I'm a mistake on that one.

Yeah.

Now see that's some of that penetration that we saw earlier in the game.

Really nice job that time by Curtis Oliver, Avery Knifing inside and bringing up that negative Yardi's play and making it at second and 14th.

- And here's the give to Williams, who's in the game for the first time here in the second half.

And Williams gets that lost yardage plus one back up to about the 34.

So it's gonna make it third down at nine for the Red Devils.

- Now you say, you know, second and 14, why?

Why do you run the ball inside right there?

Well, first of all, you got a hot hand right there that you think you know can get you enough yardage to make that third down a lot more manageable.

And that's exactly what happened.

Now on this third and nine, you can use a good bit of your, of your playbook.

Huge play right here.

- And the crowd knows it.

Fans in attendance here.

I don't think anybody left at halftime, coach.

- Nah, I don't think so.

Matter of fact, I think a few thousand more came in - Third and nine offered under pressure and just has to get rid of it.

That's really the first time tonight that Thompson has been able to get the heat on offered.

- Yeah, well it is the first time tonight.

I think that they've really brought pressure.

You're gonna watch, they're gonna work a little inside twist game and then bring, guess who?

Vinny Riess as the third man inside and he pops clean as a whistle and just know where to go for our offers with the ball.

- Also, Tyler Hicks a part of that play as well.

So a big stop there by the Thompson Defense after consecutive first downs to begin that drive.

Thompson is set now to get the ball back.

And there you see, drifting back to receive the kick deuce Oliver, who is a very dangerous punt return man and an end overran kick.

Oliver fields it at the 35, but just too good a coverage.

There is a sea of white jerseys.

Take him down at the 35 yard line.

Time out on the field, 7 46 to go here in the third quarter.

We'll step aside for a break and return to our live coverage of the Super seven from Bryant Danny Stadium.

- Change lives and achieve your professional goals with a rewarding career at the Alabama Department of Human Resources, the state's provider of social services in all 67 counties.

Join our hardworking team that positively impacts the lives of children and families across Alabama.

Speak to a recruiter by calling 3 3 4 2 4 2 17 80 or emailing recruitment@dhr.alabama.gov.

- Are you ready to enjoy the white sands and crystal clear water of our beautiful Alabama beaches?

Get water quality updates for all Alabama beaches and coastal waterways.

And the confidence of knowing the water for your planned play is safe for the day.

- Alabama Public Television is your place for free professional development, curriculum aligned videos, lesson plans, and more explore resources at apv.org/education.

- A game without a crowd is just a scrimmage.

A performance without an audience is just a rehearsal.

Without your presence, high school sports and the performing arts aren't possible.

Ensure that these essential extracurricular activities continue to enrich the lives of students in Alabama.

Purchase a ticket to your local high school's game or performance.

This - Message presented by the A-H-S-A-A.

- What you doing?

- Hey, - Just finishing this claim to get Dave back on the road.

- Nice.

I wonder what Dave's doing.

- You - Do your thing.

We've got you covered.

- And back at the Super seven State Championships at Bryant, Danny Stadium.

And what a start to the second half for Thompson Coach down 14 three.

The four time defending champs are clearly back in this one.

- Well, they got the big turnover again and then they made the clutch play.

And, and again right there, that's Colbin Landry, the six foot five basketball player recruited big score.

And then for the first time tonight came with a little bit of pressure, got the big, the big hurry, and now they've got a chance to take the lead.

- And Seaborn connecting with AJ Green out of the backfield.

Not much of a game there as Coach Nick's looking over his sideline support material there, as he has seen his team make a ton of mistakes in this game.

But they've still got a four point lead as they're trying to dethrone the fourth time defending Champs.

They're the last team that's beating Thompson in these playoffs.

You gotta go all the way back to the 2018 state championship game.

That's the last time Thompson has lost in the playoffs since then.

It's a 19 game winning streak coming into this one.

And there's a big play there by the Central Defense.

Gonna make a make it third and long here for Thompson.

Yeah, - Great job By by Jaquan Sans closing on that show.

Great speed.

You know, they're in the shallow again in man coverage and big hit and brings up a very, very crucial third down.

And Long - Central has been able to get some pressure on Seaborne, especially here in this third quarter.

And they've been doing it with four.

And they rush four here and here comes the pressure.

Seaborne has to leave the pocket and he will be taken down back at the 20.

And that was great pursuit there by TJ Thomas who came into this game with two sacks on the season.

He just picked up sack number three.

- Yeah, they didn't, they run a little three man twist.

And Thomas is gonna come from his left side position and twist all the way around to the right side of the defensive side.

And Seaburn when he, when he rolls, rolls right into the twist.

And really just a, a great play by TJ Thomas.

- That's a very determined series there by this Red Devil defense.

And, - And that may be as crucial a series as we've had in this game.

And when you look back on when this thing is over, if Central is able to prevail, this may be one of the tails of the game - As John McGuire with the punt.

And it'll hit and roll inside the 35 and it'll be down to the 32.

So here's another look at the, the sack here.

- If you look, you could see just in the middle of the screen, you could see the twist by Thomas to start the play.

He is actually gonna be the inside defender over the guard.

He's gonna loop all the way around the offense's left tackle, and of course Seaburn runs right into the twist and very, very big, big play.

And of course you saw in that punt right there that you know, you don't ever wanna let a punt roll and give up yardages, but you also don't wanna muff 'em either.

And sometimes discretion is the better part of valor.

Look out - Big gain here for Simmons Brown in the Thompson territory before he was bumped out of bounds by Jayden Brown.

But that's a big first down carry.

- Well this is great vision on his part and, and really, really good patience.

We've seen this a lot.

You know, if you watch right here, the play's gonna start to the left and watch this thing just bounce and look him slither right through that hole right there.

Great vision shows some speed.

I tell you the running game has done it for Central to this point.

Watch this little slither move right there.

Really a nice, neat cut right there.

Great vision.

- 13 carries 78 yards now for Simmons Brown and he gets the call again, but this time he gets nothing.

Just great job there at the point of attack by Thompson, led by sophomore defensive lineman, Noah Streeter.

- Well that was another slither attempt, but that time Streeter put the coyotes on the slither.

Really a nice job by that young man.

Ends up a one yard loss.

- So second and 11 for Central Phoenix City at the Thompson 35 tight game here in the third quarter.

Four time defending Champs Trail by four.

And Simmons Brown doesn't get much here, it's gonna be third and long for the red doubles.

- And they ran a a little counter play right there, pulled the guard around to get a nice kickout block, but they, no one took care of that young man right there.

And the mike linebacker, you know, is unblocked and works right to the play.

Look, if you look from right to left, you see him working in unblocked.

He's able to get around the attempted block by the, I think it was the right, the right guard.

Nice job by that young man making a big play.

And you can see why some of that silver paint is off that helmet.

- Third and nine, Thompson only rushes three.

Alfred has all day and finds Coleman on a little crossing route.

But it's great job of tackling Coleman after he made the catch.

And there's Vinny Pyres with another fine play on the defensive side.

Yeah, they - Ran a little little scissors route in the middle.

They, they, they crossed one under and one over I think anticipating man coverage.

But it, the, the, the scissors maneuver is not very tight.

You can see plenty of room for Pires and company to, to work underneath the route.

Nice tackle by the safety right there as well.

And here we go, fourth and ninth - Coleman.

Now four catches on the night for 70 yards fourth down and nine offered under pressure, still drifting backwards and does a good job just to get rid of the football and not take a big sack back at the 46 yard line.

- That was a huge play to get rid of that football and save about 25 yards.

And you could see really nice pressure right there.

You could see that on the defenses right side, left side of your screen.

They just win the battle up front, both the inside defender of that side and the defensive end and just nowhere for offered to go with a football.

Nice job of getting rid of it.

Great pressure by the Thompson Defense and a big, big defensive stand - So the Warrior's offense gets it back first in 10 at their own 33.

This is brown up the middle fighting for yardage up to the 37 for a gain, a four for AJ Green coming in averaging seven yards a carry.

We mentioned he was held to only 43 yards on 14 carries in the first half.

Thom would love to get him going.

- Yeah, they really would.

And and again, that four yards on first down is big.

Put you ahead of the sticks.

Nice.

Good run right there.

And brings up this third down in very short yardage.

- Green gets four there.

So consecutive carries for green as Thompson and a third down in one up at the 42.

Give it to green again.

He's gonna have the first down fighting his way up across the 45 yard line.

So nice trio of runs there for AJ Green.

- Yeah, good.

Tough running right there.

The actually the safety and linebacker that side run blocked and he made a nice outside, fake inside.

Cut.

Put that back foot in the ground and picked up that first down.

- He's replaced by RJ Evans here sophomore checking in at running back.

So first in ten four Thompson Seaborn to throw pass his complete nice job of kind of going down with those hands and making that catch there by Deuce Oliver.

- That wasn't really great concentration again, they, they cleared out the, the deep coverage with a streak rat on the outside and you know, ran about an eight yard out Cutt right there and nice job of bringing that ball in.

- So second down at two as we hit the two minute mark.

- 10 in that young man's face and in that young - Man's face, - You've used the heavyweight analogy a couple of times tonight.

That's, that's what you got here.

Absolutely the biggest classification in the state.

Top two teams this season.

Neither one wants to give an inch and it's gonna be a first down is Seaborn Connects over there again with Colbin.

Landres putting together a good game.

- Yeah, he sure is.

You know that big six five frame comes in handy, I'm telling you.

- So first in 10 at the 42.

Good job of mixing up running pass here on this drive so far for the Warriors, they throw on first down here.

Seaborn goes downfield and contact and the flag comes in, they're gonna get Central's, Jaquan, Sanks.

I believe it was Sanks Con making contact with the intended receiver.

- Yeah, it looked like that.

Right hand came over the top - Pass - Interference, you gotta look at it.

Defense penalty is 15 yards from the previous spot.

Results in the first down - Big penalty.

- Let's take a lady look at the bottom of the screen right there.

Well really can't see.

It looked to me like the right hand went over the top and you say, well there's a ball catchable.

But in high school football that's really not a, not a factor.

Did look like there was contact before the ball arrived, which was gonna, gonna get a flag.

- First down Thompson at the central 27, this is green and he's tackled from behind.

Nice, nice pursuit there from the backside by a young man that's played a pretty good game tonight.

Kristen Lyles - Guys, nice job by Lyles.

You, you know, you can see there's a good penetration right there.

Lyles, you know, gets off his block inside from inside out on that outside zone play and runs that thing down.

Nice play - No gains.

Second in 10 under a minute to play here in the third quarter.

This is one of Thompson's best drives of the game.

Can they close the deal with points?

They hand it off.

This is green, green showing good vision and effort there.

As he gets it down to the 20 yard line.

It's gonna bring up a third and short Final seconds here.

The third quarter.

- Really good.

Tough inside running that time by green.

- So third down in three Thompson doesn't have to run the play and I don't think they're going to coach Friedman's gonna take the break during the quarters here to discuss his options on third down in three.

Well we're through three quarters in the seven A state championship game and it's anybody's game.

Central Phoenix City leads Thompson 1410.

You're watching live coverage of the super seven - Jefferson State is the best choice for my education.

You can get a jumpstart on college by completing college credit while still in high school.

- Or get an associate degree in one of Jeff State's high demand career programs and start earning great pay right away.

- How about saving thousands in tuition by starting at Jefferson State, then transferring to a four year university.

And with online classes and four convenient campuses, I can earn a degree around my schedule.

- Find your place at Jefferson State registration going on now.

- I'm Blake Quarter.

I'm a partner here at the Builders Group of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

And I've been in the business for 20 plus years.

Being a part of our local, being an active part.

I need to stress active part of our local home builders association and State Home Builders Association.

We've gotten, we've picked up business partnerships throughout the state.

Those business connections would've never happened without our membership in a lo in our local and state home builders associations.

How can you afford not to be a member of our local home builder association?

- Sunbelt Champion Troy meets Duke in the 76 Birmingham Bowl on December 23rd at Protective Stadium.

Tickets are on sale now, starting at just $30.

The pre-game.

Festivities kickoff December 22nd at the Bud Light Band Fest.

Pep rally in uptown with live music team, pep rallies and everything else you need to get in the game day spirit this season.

Fill your holidays with good cheer, get tickets and more information@birminghamball.com.

- We are here when families need us the most and are trusting us to be our best for their children Here.

For all the little moments and major milestones, we are here for all the firsts and all the lasts and all the days in between.

We are here every day helping healing, learning discovery.

We're here.

- Hell, the heart of a champion shining through in that third quarter after being down 14 to three.

Mark Freeman's team winning that third quarter.

They score a touchdown.

They hold central out of the end zone in that third quarter.

And here's a look at the dominance from Thompson the last four seasons.

- Well I think we've seen a little bit of that grit here in in the, in the third quarter, you know, statistically, you know, still down by a good bit, but, but being opportunistic, decisively winning the kicking game, creating those turnovers has made this anybody's ball game going into the fourth quarter - And Thompson facing a third and three seaborn to throw it passes away and it's caught.

It's going to be a first down nice run after the catch by Colby Hearn.

- Yeah, just ran everybody off and set Hearn down right at the bottom of the numbers.

Coverage was soft and Hern knew, knew what to do, knew where those sticks were.

And picks up a big first down.

- And they're back in the children's of Alabama Red zone Colby Hearn.

Now two catches for 28 yards and that was a big one.

Five yard catch.

Giving his team a first down.

Thompson has not led in this game, but the defending four time champs have an opportunity here.

Seaborn throws to the end zone and a flag's gonna come in.

They're gonna get interference against Monte Eccles, who's played a great game tonight.

But it did look as though he had a lot of hands on the intended receiver.

Colbin Landr.

- Yeah, they, they ran a little, a little scissors route again.

Ran a, ran a post underneath the inside receiver by the outside receiver - Defense fence - Pin, step on looked, there was some previous spot, some contact prior to to the catch.

Let's take a look at it right here.

Pretty good pop right there.

- So Thompson first and go goal our first and two actually at Seaborn.

First called run of the game for this young man and picks up about a yard.

It'll be second and very short.

How about this Thompson with an opportunity to take the lead here.

- Well again, they've been so opportunistic, decisively won the Kicky game and they've made some plays offensively when they had to have him.

This has been a great drive right here for 'em.

- Sibo, we'll keep it again, but a great play behind the line of scrimmage made by Briggs Cameron, that is a huge loss for Thompson.

- Yeah, that, that's kind of the read zone where you have to read the end man on the line of scrimmage.

I dunno whether it was predetermined or a misread.

But you could see right there that the defender, if you watch the linebacker steps up.

I don't know if he was supposed to be a counter for or not, but he is unblocked and just a great, great play right there by Cameron.

- So Trent Seaborn now five rush attempts minus 16 yards back to back running plays by the freshman quarterback Thompson.

Now third down it was first and two, now it's third and seven.

And I think we're gonna get a timeout call by Coach Freeman.

He does take time here.

They're - Gonna talk about it.

- Alabama Natural Gas Association, timeout.

A big sequence here for both of these teams as we're in the fourth quarter.

- And of course, you know, there, there's all kinds of things to consider here.

You know, you want to, obviously you wanna get a first down.

If you can't do that, you wanna get close enough where you can go forward on, on, on fourth down.

I guess I should add, you wouldn't mind scoring a touchdown here either, but you wanna at least get three out of this big stop, of course is what, what central wants right now.

And try to get some momentum coming back their way in this, in this game.

And really ever since that muff punt, it's, you know, the, the whole momentum of this game has turned except for that one long run.

But Thompson again, you know, slammed the door on that as well.

- We mentioned all the mistakes made by Central tonight, a couple of fumbles and interception.

Two muff punts, a punt blocked and kind of leaving the door open for Thompson here.

And I tell you what, that was an impressive third quarter there by the Warriors.

And big sequence here.

This central defense getting the big defensive play there is they obviously wanna force a field goal attempt here.

- Yeah, - You know, you kind of look maybe for some kind of a combination route.

If you look at the bottom of your screen, you can see the three, three wide receivers to the wide side of the field.

That bunch set inside indicates usually some kind of a rub route.

We'll see what they, see, what they do.

- So third down and seven, - See - What the warriors dial up out of the timeout.

Seaborn to throw pass is incomplete down at the five yard line.

It was intended for Oliver.

Good coverage there by Jaquan sank.

So it's fourth and seven.

Yeah, - It looked like they tried to run a a wheel route with the number three receiver, the the most inside receiver, but it never really materialized and the ball was really not thrown very near any of the receivers.

And this brings up a pretty crucial field goal around here.

- They'll spot it, it at the 19, it'll be a 29 yard attempt for John Macquire already made one field goal tonight.

He's perfect on the season.

Gets to kick away.

So Thompson does come away with points they pull to within a point.

Makes the score 14 to 13, 10 minutes even to go here in the fourth quarter.

So that young man John McGuire's two for two in the field goal department tonight.

- Well this is the drive of the game coming up right here.

I mean this is, this is the most crucial series of of, of this game right now.

Tim McGuire would be a good guy to have on your side.

He's, he's money in the bank.

- He's had a really good season.

- Well, you know, you think about those two field goals, you know, he's kicked the ball off in the, in the, in the end zone for the most part.

Hung those punts up in the air that have resulted in turnovers.

He has been a a really, a really big part of this game.

Good look at it right there.

- A chilly night in T town.

About 39 degrees here as we just started the fourth quarter.

Here's a look at the Aldot Drive safe scoring drive.

12 place 55 yards ending in the 29 yard fill goal by McGuire.

Pulling Thompson to within a point at 14 to 13.

There you see standing back for Central Max Johnson awaiting the kick from McGuire.

Well we got a one point game in the fourth quarter.

This game is pretty much living up to its billing and a booming kick as you mentioned.

He McGuire got a strong leg.

You know, the super seven getting underway today here at Bryant.

Danny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

It started earlier today in case you missed it with some flag football action coach - And congratulations to Nia and and central of Phoenix City to flag football state champs.

- Congratulations to all the girls flag football teams for getting here to Tuscaloosa and the super seven.

So here's Central Phoenix City back on offense.

First down, nothing on this running play and we are just getting started here in Tuscaloosa coming up tomorrow.

A full slate of games and it all gets started on Thursday with the three, A state championship game between Mobile Christian and Madison Academy.

Then you have the one A game, cusa, Christian and Leroy.

And then things will wrap up on Thursday evening with the five A championship game is the defending champs from Ramsey take on Gulf Shores.

- Really some great matchups.

I mean they're always are in the super seven but really a little bit special this year I think.

- And here is Williams.

Good idea.

Giving him the ball as he gets around the edge and picks up six.

Gonna make it third and short.

I'll tell you this young man has been quite a performer here in on this seven a state championship stage.

No, - He really has.

He's up to 107 yards with that run right here and been a little quiet here in the, in the, in the second half.

Man, what a big third down.

This is right here.

- Central is two of seven on third downs in the game so far.

Big one here, third and three offers passes caught at the 35.

It's the first down.

Coleman's loose.

He's got a chance to go.

And Cam Coleman the number one receiver in the country shows you why on that play.

Touchdown.

Red Devils.

- Well that time Thompson rolled the dice just a little bit, kind of, kind of a one-on-one coverage out there.

He ran the slant route to Coleman inside.

He breaks the tackle and his a foot racing, he's gonna win most of those.

- You know, coach teams focus so much on Coleman that he can seem to disappear at times.

But you know, a lot of teams will double this young man and here he explodes here.

You never know when he can hit you.

Matter of fact, his best performance of his career was earlier this season against Auburn.

He only had eight catches but it was for 293 yards and four touchdowns in that game.

And - You know, he, he, he'd been a little bit quiet tonight and they'd kind of gone away from him a little bit, but boy came right back to him.

A great throw by off on the money as we see this star - Offense procedure - Powers right - There.

Redo the try, you know, - Great players make great plays in big games - And he's up to look.

And tonight is a great example of what I just said.

Only five catches tonight.

But 143 yards on those five catches including that touchdown.

Yep.

- Now that was an 83, excuse me, that was a 73 yarder and couldn't not have come for a more opportune time if you're a Phoenix City central fan - And the extra point is good - By - Ethan Paul, here's another look at Alford connecting with Cam Coleman.

- And you can see that, you know that's one-on-one coverage right there.

The slant is right on the money breaks that first tackle and there's gonna be no catching really good throw by offer man zips that thing right in there, right on the numbers.

- 18th touchdown of the season for the Auburn commit.

Cam Coleman.

What an answer it seemed like Thompson, they obviously Thompson just controlled that third quarter coach.

So this is a big play for central fence.

- Oh no, absolutely.

I mean it's, it's exactly what they had to have.

'cause momentum had really changed and they had really, you know, they really struggled - And - Just an explosive, explosive young man.

It's gonna be a lot of fun to follow his future.

He's got it all ahead of him and it stretches it out a little bit more but it's still, it's still a just a one score game.

- And here's your Aldot scoring drive free place, 80 yards, only one minute.

And of course the huge play offered connecting with Cam Coleman Central Phoenix City extending their lead to 21 to 13.

Still a lot of time left in this one though.

And the Warriors set to get the ball back came up here.

So you saw him just a moment ago.

He has had some really explosive returns in the game so far.

This is, they're gonna kick away from him this time and it's gonna be fair Caught at the 29 yard line.

- Yeah, - Really a nice pooch kick.

Worked a cross field, good height on it was so high, not possible to get a return on it.

And it's about the worst field position that Thompson has had on the, on the kickoff return in a good while.

So good strategy by by central.

- So first points of the second half for Central comes by way of the huge touchdown pass.

73 yarder from Allford to Coleman and now Thompson, their offense takes the field.

- Gotta look there.

Colbin Landry who has become a very important part of this Thompson offense.

- Seaborn gets rid of it quickly as he has several times tonight.

Gets it to his running back out of the backfill.

AJ Green but a very short game.

Great play there again.

Monte Eccles has had quite a game on the defensive side of the football.

- Yeah, you know, they'd been running that swing route into areas that had been vacated or or to the single receiver side that time they ran it right into the three man receiver side and brought a lot of defenders over there as well.

And not much going - Seaborne to green again.

Sure handed tackle, thereby Eccles is gonna make it third down and sixth.

There's - That little quick arrow route to the outside that they've had good success with.

But that time pretty well defended by, by central.

And this is, there's third hundred five here.

I think you could say this is a pretty big play right here too.

- Seaborn, same play again and green is gonna hurdle over the tackler.

And pick up the first down at the 41 yard line.

It was Eckles again on the stop.

Yeah, he's - Gonna get it by about a yard.

And again trying to get the ball to a money player to pick up a big first down.

- So - The Warriors move the chains first down at the 41 Sior.

Looking to the sideline, getting the place set now third or first down in 10.

Here comes the blitz from central Phoenix City that passes downfield Deuce Oliver makes an incredible grab over his shoulder at the central Phoenix City 36 yard line.

- Well they brought pressure from the, from the weak side Seaburn to chose the vertical route down the field.

It just a great, great one-handed grab on the other end.

Watch this right here.

Watch him stick that paw up there and bring that thing in.

Deuce Oliver.

He had 72 catches coming in into this game tonight and you can see why right there.

That's - There's - This - Fourth great athletic ability.

Fourth - Catch tonight we're gonna have a timeout taken or a a challenge here by Coach Nicks.

So he may have, may may be challenging that this ball hit the ground.

- I didn't see it but I was so enthralled with looking at the top end of the catch that - We'll take a break and come back and take a look at it ourselves rolling on the field.

Continue with our live coverage.

It was a completed catch for a first down.

- What Never seen a dog in a bath before.

Look I got needs and one of them is plenty of soothing warm water.

That's why mom made sure our home has a natural gas water heater.

Ah, she's the best.

See natural gas heats water fast and efficiently so we never run out mid spa session.

'cause when I'm out at the park strutting around and meeting other pooches, I gotta show 'em who's boss.

Visit my website and learn why natural gas is a home's best friend.

- Hi, I'm Wayne Reed, executive director of Alabama Public Television.

We're excited to carry live coverage of the super seven high school football championships for a second year.

Allowing everyone in Alabama to see these games.

This broadcast is made possible by several generous sponsors.

But now I'd like to ask for your support as well.

Your gift can help a PT tell more great Alabama stories and create new educational opportunities.

Call 1 802 3 9 4,000 or give online@apv.org.

- Everyone knows what the big man wants.

Yep.

Bacon Jackson's bringing a slay load of bacon to its southern favorites.

There's the big BLT chicken, BLT and our bacon double cheeseburger.

It's a bacon wonderland out there.

- More, - More, more.

- And we are back at Brian Denny stadium officials taking a look at that previous completed pass that was ruled on the field from Seaborne to Oliver.

And we get another look at it here.

- Well the ball definitely hits the ground.

The question is, I I think that one might be overturned there.

Mickey, what do you think?

Look, look to me like the, the arm is to the side of the ball and the ball hits the ground clean without the hand underneath.

Of course the question is, is there enough to overturn it?

I think I'll let that gentleman right there decide that.

But you know, usually what you look for is, is is the hand or the, or the arm underneath the ball of cradle at and and does the ground aid in the, in the reception?

- I dunno.

- After further review, the ruling on the field stands is called completed catch.

Central Phoenix City is charged for a timeout.

There you go.

They will have one challenge remaining for the game.

- Well from those replays you can clearly see why Coach Nicks would throw the red flag there but not evidently not enough in the official's perspective to overturn the call on the field.

- Yeah, I mean he, he clearly had the ball one hand and brought it back inside and you know, it's really tough to determine from the angle that we had right there.

So the call stands and here we go.

- And it's first down at the central 36 seaboard throws deep name Drew's Got it.

Touchdown.

- You talking about threatening the needle.

'cause there there were three white shirts right around the football, but he put it right where they could not get to it.

And boy I tell you young Mr. Coleman land, Andrews had quite a night.

He had 25 catches and averages about 20 yards a catch.

He had 11 TDS on the year.

So it, it's not like he's a rookie out here, but boy he has become the go-to guy and now we go for two I'm sure.

See if they can tie this thing up.

- What a throw by Seaborn three defenders around land drew and he threads a needle.

Try for two and a whistle and they'll throw a flag and stop the play - Prior to the snap.

False start offense, five yard penalty, redo the try - Now for throwing the football, it, you know, it probably doesn't hurt you that much.

It gives you actually more of the field to to work with.

But the thing that it does do pretty, pretty much eliminates the run as a possibility.

And of course that that's gonna change the central defensive call a little bit.

There'll be much more pass oriented Now - I - Think they Coach Freeman discussing placement of the football.

They're gonna move it over to the left hash.

- Yeah, I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see some kind of a sprint, sprint out or rollback action right here.

Of course sometimes when you do that while you try to sneak somebody out the backside for a little throwback action.

So we'll we'll see.

- So the try for two take place now from the eight yard line after the penalty Seaborn rose and it's incomplete Oliver, the intended receiver, the coverage there by sans and the try for two fails and the score will remain 2119 and Seaborn numbers now 20 of 31 for 193 yards and two touchdowns.

And this was a beautiful pass.

Yeah, - It really is.

I mean that balls right on the money put it really the only way, only place that it couldn't be defended.

'cause you can see there's a lot of white shirts around.

- Please move your - Second touchdown grab of the second half for that young man land.

Andrew, - Really a beautiful throwing catch right here.

And the two pointer goes, goes for not, so we've got a two point game with 7 0 2 left.

- I see Coach Freeman coaching up his players on the sideline and - Well something did not haw on on that two point conversion because you know, they ended up with four receivers on one side.

Usually that's gonna be kind of a little rub route with, you know, with something working underneath back to the inside but just never developed.

- So McGuire will get set to kick it off.

Max Johnson awaits the kick at the five yard line if he gets an opportunity.

This, this kick actually will be fielded by and returned by Johnson and he spins out across the 25.

And that's where Central will set up shop as a flag comes in after the play.

- Yeah, - That one was tossed on kind of a line drive and usually that that can be a personal foul - After the play is over.

Personal foul return team, personal foul kicking team.

Those penalties will offset first down.

- Oh the dreaded offset.

- You, - You, you know that if, if it's thrown on a line drive, it's usually a personal foul.

If it's thrown high in the area, it's definitely a personal foul.

If it's just dropped it's a hole.

You know, you know - You've taught me that you're, you're right.

You're absolutely right.

You, you've seen enough of that in your career.

Here is the give a flag comes in at the end of this play as Simmons Brown picks up about four, but looks like this one may be another penalty against the offense and it is holding the call - Pretty good hit by that young man, Peyton Lewis coming in from his safety position that holds a big call - Holding offense.

He is 10 yards from the previous spot.

Thing you wanna do from replay both down - Perspective is you've got a two point lead, you wanna try to melt that clock and you wanna stay ahead of the chains.

Well a holding penalty right here sure isn't gonna help you do that.

Big difference between second and sixth and first and 20.

- So first down at 20, back at the 11 yard line for the Red Devils, here's the handoff to Brown and nothing there.

Middle of that Thompson defense looking stout on that play.

It's gonna be second and still about 18 to go.

- And you know, they, they've gone away a little bit from, from working that left side.

That last couple runs have gone over to the right side.

Not quite so much success right there.

And I, I think they hope to pop that run obviously.

But now second and long and you'd think they're gonna just about have to go to the air right now and kind of wonder where number eight is - Offered.

Hands off to Simmons Brown and he takes another big hit this time from Thompson's, Jayden Davis.

So here's a third down and short third and about two.

- Well again, you know, kind of a conservative play call right there.

Try to run the rap play right there to bring the, the right guard around.

But good tough Thompson defense right there is gonna bring up this third down in, well almost 12 - Big opportunity here for this Thompson defense.

If they can get off the field on third and 12th, they show pressure, they bring it offered backing up throws and it's incomplete.

Thompson brought the heat and it forced offer to get rid of it.

And the Warrior's defense makes the stand here.

- But again, like they did earlier in the half, you know, brought some pressure, collapsed the pocket broke up the rhythm of the plane offer's, just gotta get rid of it, you know, trying to run a little smash concept.

Good, good coverage.

Deep.

They doubled the deep defender right there.

They doubled Coleman and just know where to go with the football.

- Freeberg set to punt this one from around his 10 yard line and over end kick.

Oliver snatches it at the 45 Oliver and the central Phoenix city territory before he stopped at the 43 yard line.

But the Warrior's offense will take the field with great field position - And another decisive play for the Thompson Warriors in the kicking game force.

The, you know, forced the punt to get out in a hurry.

It was low kick returned it.

And as you, as you said, making setting up shop on the central 45 yard line.

- So here comes the Thompson offense led by that young man, ninth grader Trent Seaborn, who's thrown for 193 yards in two touchdowns.

Here's the Thompson offense with a chance to get the lead for the first time tonight.

And a nice run on first down is AJ Green takes it inside the 40.

They're gonna spot him out at the 39.

A first down gain of five.

Yeah, - Around the counter that time.

Pulled the, the backside tackle and guard.

Haven't seen much of that tonight.

Ran it with good, good success right there.

- So second down in five for the Warriors.

Here's the handoff to green.

Not much here as he stopped right at the line of scrimmage.

- Yeah, same, same play again that time.

Not much, not much success.

I said there was a backside guard and tackle.

It looks like it.

The HVAC's coming through and as you see a, a young man that is gonna figure into this right here.

I mean they're close to his range right now.

He's hit a 50 yarder this year.

They need about, need about nine more yards.

Ah, about seven more, - Third and five fake to green.

There's Oliver inside the 30 well designed play, excellent execution.

And it is a first down for Thompson.

- Well this is the RPO look that and you know, this was probably pre-read before the ball was ever snapped.

There was not a defender.

Very close right here and the hitch off of the quick run.

Fake to pick up another big first down in there.

Well within field goal range.

Now - Fifth catch of the game for Oliver, that was a big one there.

Two of his five catches have been on third down conversions.

First in 10 at the central 26.

Here comes pressure from the red devil.

Seaborn hit as he throws and the pass just sails out of bounds.

Seaborn really took a big hit as he released that football.

- Yeah, they brought edge, they brought edge pressure from both sides right here.

Collapsed the pocket.

Just a good speed rush by both outside linebackers as as they come.

And you can see very fortunate that that ball was not knocked loose for a turnover.

Right there goes incomplete.

Second and 10th - Clock stopped on the incomplete pass with 3 33 second down 10 Oliver in motion.

This is green.

Getting the call and getting nothing.

So here's third and 10 for Thompson.

- Not a place for the faint of heart up there in those two lines right now.

That is a war inside.

Good tough inside play that time.

Try to run the inside zone, nothing.

- Third to 10, the central bring pressure again, we shall see they rush for Seabourn throws toward the end zone land.

Drew the intended receiver Eccles though, right there with him.

Boy those two have, that's been a game within a game tonight.

Number four for central.

Number four for Thompson.

- Yeah, that was really good coverage right there.

You, that's what you wanna try to do is ride that hip and, and let the sideline help you.

As a matter of fact, I I really believe if you look down to the right side, I i, I really think that he steps out of bounds and even if he would've come in and caught the ball, it would not have been a legal catch.

So, - So here's your field goal coach.

They're gonna spot it at the 33, a 43 yard attempt to give Thompson the lead here in the fourth quarter.

- And again, he does have a 50 yarder this year.

So this is well within his range.

- Oliver to hold, McGuire's kick is no good wide left.

- You know, sometimes you try to get a little, a little extra on it.

Looked like this plant foot maybe was a little bit, a little bit cocked.

Went across his body, ended up hooking the ball and the drive goes for Naugh.

- A lot has gone right tonight for Thompson in the special teams department, but not on this field goal track.

- I think he knew as soon as he hit it that you know, that he had hooked the ball.

All right, so 2 46 of course what, what center was like, is a knife nice long drive to close this thing out.

Of course Thompson wants, wants that ball back.

And - This is Williams in the gang and he is tackled from behind by Benny Pyres after a gain of three.

- You know the thing you want if you're, if you're on offense right now, is you want those four yard plays.

Those four yard plays keep you ahead of the sticks.

It, it, it, it's gonna run that clock down.

And of course they're gonna milk this thing down probably and force Thompson to use their timeouts, but they're gonna have to get, you know, five or six on this next play.

- Second and seven offered, keeps it on the ground with Williams.

And Williams is stopped at the 26th.

So that's gonna set up a third down at four and it's also gonna bring a Thompson timeout stopping the clock with 1 57.

The Warriors would love to get the third down.

Stop here and then get the ball back as this time out is brought to you by Alabama Natural Gas Association.

- And of course from, from an offensive standpoint right here, you know, you, you don't wanna put the ball in the air because you don't wanna stop that clock.

But on the other hand, you gotta get a first down then I'm not sure you're gonna get it running the football right here.

So be interesting to see what they come up with.

- Huge, huge third down play coming up here.

- You know, you know, you would think that that Tristan Williams would figure into this and they try to get the ball in his hands, although his second half has been relatively quiet, not near the production that he had in the first half.

- Now you see both coaches talking over their strategy here on a huge third down play.

- As we take a look at Mr. Williams and see if they could in fact do call his number - Williams with 119 yards rushing tonight.

He doesn't get the call here though, offered to throw pass his cut.

Where did the receiver step out of bounds?

It's all about the spot and it looks as though it's going to be a central first down.

- Well they ran a little, a little rollout pass to the right and run a a high low on the flat defender right there.

Nice job reading it.

Byford dumps the ball underneath and gets just enough for that first down - Great shot there by our camera guys.

Just enough.

First down at the 30, a minute, 52 to go.

Now it's back to the ground game.

This is Williams.

He's gonna be tackled for a two yard or one yard loss depending on the spot.

Two yard loss.

And there we get another time out by Thompson.

- Yeah, and those, and those safeties now, I mean they're, they're gonna be fourth linebackers now it's gonna be very tough to run the football 'cause those safeties are are gonna be down in the box.

Yeah, here's where we're 1 43, that's Thompson's last time out - The side.

We walked in or about - They stop 'em or they can get the ball back, but they'll be well under a minute.

- And the timeout presented by Alabama Natural Gas Association is Patrick Nicks trying to lead his team to victory here tonight against the four time defending champions from Thompson.

You know, Mark Freeman trying to make a little history tonight too.

If he could win tonight, that would put him in some elite company in terms of, well-known coaches in this state that have won at least seven state championships.

- Yeah, he'll, he'll be, he'll be at seven if he can do that.

I think there's three in this state that have won at least seven, two have won eight.

But yeah, that's, it's not crowded at the top.

That's, that's for sure.

- Again, Thompson now out of timeout, second down here comes the pressure by the Warriors and Alford keeps it and takes a big hit at the 35 yard line.

But he got down after a seven yard gain - And he wants a targeting call.

But don't think so that you know that that was a nice call by coach Nicks that, you know, that's the zone Reed and of course Thompson had had brought the house and that thing would've gone for a long way.

Except again, those safeties are playing down.

You can see edge player comes for the dive and normally that would've gone a long way.

But that's the safety coming down hard and making the big hit.

It brings up another third down in five and they're gonna, they'll run this thing down.

They probably won't snap it until there's about four seconds left on the play clock, which is right now - Williams on the handoff.

Williams takes a big hit at the 43, but he's gonna have the first down that's - Gonna do it - And it's fitting that number 24 picks up that first down.

What a game for Tristan Williams.

- Darn.

Something crazy, which we have seen before and now we've got a flag.

Well this is, this is a clutch run.

Got a first down that should put this game away.

But as we've learned, never say never.

- So here's Kirby Michaels.

One more time.

- Dead ball unsportsmanlike.

Conduct defense penalty.

Be 15 yards from the spot.

Be a first down.

- You can see the excitement building on the central sideline and in the the stands for the fans who've made the trip here to Tuscaloosa.

- Correction.

Correction.

The unsportsmanlike conduct was on offense night for that young man was on the offense.

- 125 yards of two - Touchdowns with the game prop operator, the run of the ninth, the game.

Please set the game pop to 50 seconds.

50 seconds.

Thank you.

- I am kind of like Coach Nicks right now.

I'm not exactly sure what just transpired.

- Well hopefully we can get all of this sorted out here.

Spotted back at the 28 - And of course Central will get into every, every coach's favorite formation, the victory sneak.

You put a pigtail back deep and you handle that snap and try to put this game away.

- And I think they're gonna let 'em play now and victory formation for Central Phoenix City.

And we've got another whistle.

Not sure if this play is going to count C Williams on the central sideline.

What a game 18 carries 125 yards, two touchdowns, and again the big run to seal the deal a moment ago.

All for takes and E and that'll do it.

The last team to beat Thompson in the playoffs was this central team in the 2018 state championship game.

And Patrick Nicks and the Red Devils have come to Tuscaloosa and done it again here in 2023.

Stopping Thompson's streak at four in a row as central of Phoenix City wins the seven eight state championship and time now for our play of the game.

And it was a biggie offered short pass to Cam Coleman, but Coleman great run after the catch.

This was a 73 yard strike and coach.

This was after Thompson had pulled two within two points.

Yeah.

And I - Really liked the momentum and going the other way, but as we said earlier, great players make great plays in big games.

- Cam Coleman, what a night?

Five catches 143 yards.

And down to Christina who's standing by with the winning coach.

- Coach.

This one was a battle all the way to the end.

Oh, what can you say, - Get outta here.

He's - On tv.

- Close call there.

We almost got doused with Gatorade.

Coach.

- That's not even players who, I don't even know who it's - Coach.

Just walk us through the - Grit battle.

I mean, hats off to Thompson.

I mean they, you know, obviously down in the first half, but just, we knew they weren't going to give up at all.

They're gonna battle.

Been here, done that, you know, and the hats off to them.

Coach Freeman, his guys did an incredible job of competing and baling, staying right in the game and you know, I hate it for them.

Miss a field goal, you know, I'd rather win the game than them have to lose it like that, you know?

But thankfully we were able to hang in there.

Some, some bad things happened to us and our guys persevered Joe and just kept hanging around, kept battling and kept fighting.

- What does it mean for this community, this team to knock off the four time defending state champs?

- That's just great for our kids, our kids battle and have worked, you know, very hard for this opportunity and went out and got it done.

You know, so just very proud of them.

Very thankful for our community, you know, to be back in this position and, you know, thankful to all the coaches, support administrators, you know, our players, everybody, the whole community.

Big win.

Very big win.

- Congratulations coach.

Go celebrate - With your team.

Thank you.

- Congratulations.

- Central Phoenix City overcoming three turnovers, two muff punts, a block punt, a touchdown callback in the first quarter.

And somehow through all that, the Red Devil's a mount a mess over 400 yards of total offense.

And they win the seven A state championship.

- Well, you know, it, it always comes down to five or six plays and then the football game and you know, Thompson came back like a champion.

But in the end, central had had enough, got big plays when they had to have 'em, got the drive when they had to have it.

Got the key first down when they had to have it.

And the end result is your 2023 seven A state champions are the, the Central Red Devils - For the third time in school history.

Also the third state championship for head coach Patrick Nicks.

So we're setting up for the post-game awards ceremony, which we will have live coverage of here from the Super seven, presented by the Alabama Community Colleges here on Alabama Public television as the fireworks go off here at Bryant, Danny Stadium.

What a way, what a way to start off the Super seven.

Yeah, - And, and you know, I can't say that it was an artistic success there, you know, there, there were a lot of, you know, a lot of miscues.

But boy, I tell you, these two teams battled right here.

And if you, you look at it, I think a couple of stats that stand out, one of 'em you'll see the rushing totals very, very lopsided.

That's always the difference in a championship game.

And then the other thing in, in, in this is, you know, are the unforced errors that you, you know, talked about earlier that certainly kept Thompson in the game, gave them a chance to win, but in the end just really too much Central Red Devil.

- And I know you won't say this, but I'll talk about how good Coach Rhodes is before the game.

You and I are talking off the air and you tell me that you think the difference in this game could be Central's ability to run the ball versus Thompson's ability to run the ball against them.

And that's what you see in that top - Sta Yeah, and I, and I think that in, in the end, that was a difference.

I mean 2 22 to 47 you, it's hard to win football games rushing four seven - Now let's turn it over to our public address announcer for the Postgame Awards ceremony down on - The Super seven Championship game.

It's to commemorate this incredible accomplishment, each head coach will receive an official Wilson Championship football presenting this year's championship.

Footballs is Brandon Dean, director of the Alabama High School Athletic Direct Athletic Directors and Coaches Association.

First from Thompson High School head Coach Mark Freeman.

And now I'm from Central Phoenix City Head Coach Patrick Nicks join us and congratulating both coaches for an incredible season.

- You know, you can't be that disappointed.

You had four state titles - Now.

Please join us in welcoming Paul Henderson from Encore to the field, along with JT Lawrence, assistant director of the HSAA for the presentation of the Most Valuable Player award.

The 2023 Most valuable player for the Class seven A ST Championship game is Cam Coleman from Central Phoenix City High School.

This time I'm Ashley, please welcome Central board member Chuck Markham from the Department of Education to the Field, along with Kim Vickers, associate Executive Director, the HSAA for the presentation of the 2023 Class seven A state championship runner up trophy your 20 23 7 A state championship runner up is the Thompson Warriors led by head coach Mark Freeman.

And now for the moment you've all been waiting for, please give a warm welcome to executive Director of the HSAA Alvin Briggs and Central board member Holly Sutherland from District seven for the presentation of the 20 23 7 A state championship trophy.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 20 23 7 A state champions are the central Phoenix City Red Devils led by head coach Patrick Nicks, congratulations to the 20 23 7 A state champions.

- Well, there's a new King of the mountain in Class seven A and there you see on the central Phoenix City Red Devil's, your 2023 seven a State Champions.

- Nothing like it.