1 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville head coach Josh Floyd talks with the Huskies following a loss to Thompson in a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
2 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Huskies and Warriors high-five following a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
3 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville tight end Donovan Price (33) catches a pass during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
4 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Thompson defensive back Anquon Fegans (0) intercepts a pass by Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Peyton Floyd (7) during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
5 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville running back Jaqson Melton (5) runs the ball as he’s brought down by Thompson linebacker Vincius Pires (1) during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
6 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Peyton Floyd (7) throws a pass during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
7 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Peyton Floyd (7) is tackled by Thompson linebacker Tyler Hicks (4) during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
8 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
9 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Peyton Floyd (7) catches the snap during a Class 7A state semifinal game against Thompson at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
10 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville running back Jaqson Melton (5) carries the ball during a Class 7A state semifinal game against Thompson at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
11 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
12 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Huskies stand as the Hewitt-Trussville marching band plays the alma mater following a loss to Thompson in a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
13 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Peyton Floyd (7) is tackled by Thompson linebacker Tyler Hicks (4) during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
14 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville wide receiver Jacob Serena (14) catches a pass during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
15 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville head coach Josh Floyd talks with the head official during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
16 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville wide receiver Jadon Loving (1) catches a pass during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
17 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville defensive back Riggs Dunn (12) and Hewitt-Trussville defensive back CamRon Wynn (21) tackle Thompson running back Arrington Green (1) during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
18 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville outside linebacker Jadon Cantley (20) pushes Thompson wide receiver Deuce Oliver (2) out of bounds during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
19 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville wide receiver Dylan Cope (4) is knocked out of bouns by Thompson defensive back Anquon Fegans (0) during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
20 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Peyton Floyd (7) scores for the Huskies during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
21 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Huskies defense tackles Thompson running back Arrington Green (1) during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
22 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville linebacker Parker Floyd (8) recovers a fumble during a Class 7A state semifinal game against Thompson at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
23 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Huskies cheer after a touchdown by Peyton Floyd during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
24 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville defensive end Drew Ollis (17) punts during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
25 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville kicker Trip Ward (28) kicks a field goal for the Huskies during a Class 7A state semifinal game against Thompson at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
26 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville running back Jaqson Melton (5) carries the ball during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
27 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville running back Jaqson Melton (5) runs the ball during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
28 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Huskies defense tackles Thompson running back Arrington Green (1) during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
29 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville wide receiver Dylan Cope (4) runs the ball during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
30 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Peyton Floyd (7) carries the ball during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
31 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Hewitt-Trussville cheerleaders lead the Huskies onto the field at the start of a Class 7A state semifinal game against the Warriors at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
32 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Huskies take the field at the start of a Class 7A state semifinal game against the Warriors at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
33 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville fans cheer for the Huskies during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
34 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Peyton Floyd (7) looks to throw a deep pass during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
35 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Peyton Floyd (7) makes the handoff to Hewitt-Trussville running back Jaqson Melton (5) during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
36 of 36
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville running back Jaqson Melton (5) runs the ball during a Class 7A state semifinal game at Thompson High School’s Warrior Stadium in Alabaster on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
ALABASTER – Hewitt-Trussville High School was the better team for about a quarter and a half Friday night.
But Thompson wrested control of the game midway through the second quarter and never relinquished it, beating the Huskies 21-10 in the Class 7A semifinals at Warrior Stadium.
“Our guys came ready. We couldn’t have been more ready to play when we started. You’ve got to play four quarters and we just couldn’t quite get it done,” Hewitt-Trussville head coach Josh Floyd said following the game.
With the win, Thompson will play Central-Phenix City on Dec. 6 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Warriors are looking for their fifth consecutive state championship.
Hewitt-Trussville took the opening kickoff and drove 73 yards over 14 plays. But the drive stalled inside the 10-yard line and the Huskies settled for Trip Ward’s 26-yard field goal.
The Huskies' defense started strong as well. On Thompson’s opening possession, Parker Floyd recovered a fumble. On Thompson’s second possession, the Huskies thwarted the Warriors’ fourth-down attempt.
Hewitt then took the ball and ran it, and ran it some more. The Huskies went 57 yards in nine plays and scored on quarterback Peyton Floyd’s 2-yard run to take a 10-0 lead.
That would be the extent of the offensive highlights for the Huskies, as they were shut out from that point on.
“They’ve got tons of talent, basically an all-star team. You have to play your best football. We didn’t play bad football, we didn’t quite play our best game,” Josh Floyd said.
Thompson got on the board on its ensuing possession, turning a good kick return by Kaleb Harris into a quick 55-yard drive. AJ Green capped it off with his first of two 1-yard scoring runs on the night.
After forcing a Hewitt three-and-out and a short punt, Thompson took advantage again and scored on quarterback Trent Seaborn’s 9-yard run, taking a 14-10 halftime lead.
Thompson mercilessly marched down the field to begin the third quarter and scored on Green’s short run to go up 21-10, making the final dent on the scoreboard.
Hewitt-Trussville put together drives of 14, 11 and 10 plays in the second half that netted no points. The Huskies outgained Thompson 263-252 in the contest.
Seaborn was 18-of-24 for 151 yards through the air and scored the rushing touchdown. Deuce Oliver was heavily involved in the short passing game, catching 11 passes for 91 yards. Colby Hearn had three grabs for 30 yards as well. Green had 30 carries on the night, going for 91 yards.
In his final game leading the Huskies’ offense, Peyton Floyd completed 14-of-28 passes for 118 yards and an interception. He ran for 66 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries as well.
“It’s been a lot of fun coaching Peyton. I hate that it’s over, but it’s been a lot of fun. One of the best experiences I’ve had,” Josh Floyd said.
Running back Jaqson Melton is a fellow senior and put together a strong performance, rushing 14 times for 75 yards. Senior Donovan Price was the leading receiver, as he caught three passes for 50 yards.
“Got 30 guys that have played their tails off,” Josh Floyd said of his seniors. “They’ve been in our program for years. We start these guys in youth football, and they play in youth football and they play in middle school football. I’m proud of the way our program is run with our guys.”
Jacob Serena also caught three passes for the Huskies, gaining 30 yards.
Hewitt-Trussville’s season ends with a 9-4 record, as the Huskies advanced to the state semifinals for the first time since 1996 and only the fourth time in program history. Over the last three years, the seniors compiled 26 wins.
Peyton Floyd said, “I hate that it ends this way for the seniors because I love those guys and am super close to them. It doesn’t always work out and this is one of those moments where it didn’t quite work out.”
