WATCH LIVE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 AT 7:00 PM

Game Overview

A rematch, but not a rerun – at least that’s what Thompson coach Mark Freeman is hoping. Last year Central Phenix City snapped the Warriors four year run as state champs with a thrilling 21-19 victory over the Warriors. Thompson had a failed two-point conversion attempt and then missed a field goal late in the fourth quarter, allowing the Red Devils to claim victory as the 2023 State Champions.

Team Preview: Thompson Warriors

Thompson is back in the finals for the 7^th year in a row – but this year is a little different. The Warriors are 10-3. All three losses were by one point in overtime.

“We don’t have the prospects we had in previous years, but we are a very good high school team. They bring great effort.”

Thompson’s offense is led by sophomore Trent Seaborn, but this year they have leaned heavily on their defense and special teams. The defense is led by two Auburn commits: defensive end Jared Smith and defensive back Anquon “New Boy” Fagans.

“We have to create opportunities on offense,” Freeman said, “but if our defense is playing good, we have a chance to win. Our punter [Auburn commit John Mcquire] can flip the field when we need it.”

“We are resilient, we lost the first game, the fifth game and the ninth. All in overtime, but we didn’t quit,” said Freeman.

Team Preview: Central-Phenix City Red Devils

Central-Phenix City, under the direction of Coach Patrick Nix, has continued to be a force in class 7A. Last year, the Red Devils came up late in the game to secure the blue map for Phenix City.

“This year’s team had to overcome a lot of obstacles,” Nix said. “We lost a lot from last year and lost two starters early in the season, and guys had to learn new roles.”

No one rolled over for the defending champions. They faced some stiff competition through the heart of the season. The Red Devils had a one score win over Dothan in September and dropped two games in October to Auburn and Opelika. Sandwiched in between was another one score win over Carver-Montgomery.

The Red Devil offense is directed by quarterback Andrew Alford, who will throw to a group of talented wide receivers that includes Miami commit Daylyn Upshaw and sophomores Branden Brown and Mychal Bass. Tristan Williams will be the first back to run the ball. He will have Alabama commit Mal Waldrop leading the way on the offensive line.

On the defensive side of the ball, Central is strong up front. They are led by Senor linemen Adarius Lee, Calvin Southall and Emanuel Smith. Junior Tristan Lyle comes off the edge and junior Brennon Core leads the linebackers. Throughout the season, the Red Devils have had different players step up in different situations to lead the defensive backfield.

Final Thoughts

Two teams facing off for the second consecutive year. Viewers can only hope this year’s game is as suspenseful and entertaining as last year’s thriller. It will be a great end to our Wednesday schedule.

APT's high school football previews give an overview of the Super 7 Championship teams. They include coach interviews, player stats and more. See all previews and view the full schedule here.