By Zack Steele, For the Tribune
The Hewitt Trussville Huskies deepest run in the AHSAA playoffs since 1996 came to an end Friday night in Alabaster at the hands of four-time-defending state champion Thompson Warriors.
The Huskies used a brilliant defensive game plan to stifle the potent Thompson offense for most of the game. Hewitt’s defense was able to control Thompson’s running game with just three defensive lineman, allowing extra defensive backs to keep the Thompson passing game in check.
Hewitt’s offense slowed the pace of the game with a hard-nosed running game led by Peyton Floyd and Jacqson Melton.
The plan worked to perfection for the most of the first half. Hewitt would go on a 14-play drive to start the game that stalled inside the 5. Tripp Ward would cash in with a 2-yard field goal.
Thompson would cough it up on their first possession, and Parker Floyd would hop on the loose ball. Hewitt would punt the ball back to Thompson 3 plays later. Thompson would give it back a few plays when they turned the ball over on downs at their own 43.
Hewitt would take advantage of the short field when Peyton Floyd scored the 100th touchdown of his career, easily a Hewitt Trussville record. Hewitt led 10-0 midway through the second quarter.
Thompson would finally get rolling with a big kickoff return and a 55-yard drive for a touchdown. AJ Green did the honors for the Warriors from 2 yards out.
Hewitt punted the ball back to Thompson, and the Warriors wasted little time with a short field as Trent Seaborn would score on a 9-yard touchdown run with 1:41 left in the half.
Thompson received the second-half kickoff and wasted little time scoring their 20th and 21st unanswered point with 8:34 left in the 3rd quarter to lead 21-10.
Hewitt would drive into Thompson territory three more times but come up empty. Hewitt’s final drive ended with an Anquon Fegans intercepted Peyton Floyd.
Hewitt finishes the season at 9-4. Thompson advances to take on Central of Phenix City in Tuscaloosa in a week and a half.
Hewitt Coach Josh Floyd was disappointed in the result, but was extremely proud of his team’s effort.
“I thought our defense played well most of the night. Our defensive line and linebackers did a good job against the run.”
With the loss, Floyd says goodbye to a special group of seniors, which includes his oldest son Peyton.
“This senior class is a special group. They’ve been together since you league ball and really developed into a great group. They’re winners that will be successful whatever they do in life one day. I hate that it’s over but I am super proud of them.”