OXFORD, Alabama -- Conner Harrell threw for four touchdown passes as 7A #1 Thompson Warriors take down 6A Oxford 55-0 to open their 2021 season on the road at Lamar Field Friday night. The Thompson defense only gave up one first down in the game and was dominate starting the first kick of the game.

Harrell was knocked out of the 7A championship game in the second quarter and it was his first game this season and he showed no signs of any injury. "The game was kind of weard early," said Warriors head coach Mark Freeman. "Conner is good. Conner looked as good as he as ever looked. On offense, we have seven new kids. We didn't lineup in the right spots at times. It was the little things we need to correct. I think every week though we will get better and better." 

Thompson (1-0) opened the scoring on a third down play when Harrell tossed a short pass to Ahmari Bolden for a 7-yard touchdown pass play and the Warriors led 7-0 with 8:29 left in the first quarter. With 2:11 left in the first quarter, Brandon Franklin scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to extend the Thompson lead to 14-0.

After an Oxford three and out, Thompson took over again with good field position. With :12 left in the first quarter, Ryan Peppins took a short pass and scored on a 22-yard run. With the touchdown, Thompson led 21-0 after the first quarter. With 10:14 left in the second quarter, Harrell threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to newcomer Jaylen Ward. With the score, Thompson led 28-0. Harrell completed 11-of-14 passing for 214 yards with four touchdowns and one interception on the night. 

With 7:39 left in the second quarter, Brandon Franklin scored on a 1-yard run and Thompson led 35-0. "I have have to thank God for this experience and all the PT people that helped me rehab back to this place," said Franklin. "When I got on the field, it was just business since we prepared really well for them. We executed the game plan. After I took that first hit, I was back. My instinct took over and just started to play ball. Good job by our offensive line. We had good reps and learn from our film, we will get better each week."

WIth 10:11 left in the third quarter, Harrell threw to Peppins for a 11-yard touchdown pass play and that about did it for the starters. WIth the score, Thompson led 41-0. After Thompson kicked off, the first team defense played their last snaps of the game and Alabama verbal commit Jeremiah Alexander had back to back sacks in the Oxford drive. After a short punt, Thompson scored again on a Lione Cook 3-yard touchdown run. With the touchdown, Thompson led 48-0. With less than four minutes left in the game, backup quarterback Zach Sims scored to give Thompson the 55-0 win. 

Up next, Thompson hosts Sparkman while Oxford hosts powerhouse 5A Pleasant Grove.