Saturday night’s battle between the defending state champions was not without drama and capped off a busy Friday and Saturday of high school football.
Thompson, the three-time defending Class 7A state champion in Alabama, faced Lipscomb Academy, the defending Division II-AA state champion in Tennessee.
And while both are respected programs, the Thompson Warriors were the clear favorites.
But if we’ve learned anything from Miami Central’s displeasure with IMG Academy (although controversial) on Friday, it’s that unknowns in football are always ready to join the party – including the defensive backs that led to 14 unanswered points.
It started with Bryan Longwell’s interception, which he returned for a touchdown in the third quarter.
That defensive gem was followed by this fumble recovery by Kaleb Beasley… one that he returned 100 yards for another score.
Beasley’s key play gave the Mustangs a 24-14 lead, capping a monumental comeback that began with Thompson’s 14-3 halftime advantage.
A major upset?
Considering Thompson’s track record — another perennial Super 25 pick — it’s pretty safe to call the Mustangs’ win the most important in Lipscomb Academy history.
And the fact that it was a nationally televised game on ESPN only makes it that much more special — for the players and former ESPN analyst turned Mustangs head coach Trent Dilfer.
More stories:
When moms attack: Illinois high school lets moms tackle their sons on the football team
High School Football Live: