Game Preview: Thompson vs. Hewitt-Trussville

Thompson and Hewitt-Trussville have consistently been two of the most dominant programs in the entire state. Talent-wise, we might as well be watching a college football game this Friday. Thompson and Hewitt-Trussville both feature many fantastic prospects, and have each started their seasons 4-0. Everyone in attendance Friday is getting a treat, as this is going to be a hard, physical, and exciting 7A matchup. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b><i><u>TEAM BREAKDOWNS</u></i></b></span> <strong>THOMPSON-</strong> Thompson, as always, is incredible. However, this year’s team has looked as if it may be one of their best ever. Throughout their first four games, Thompson was able to outscore their opponents 217-3. If that doesn’t scream excellence, I don’t think anything really can. Thompson has an absolutely loaded defense, with national recruits like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125487" first="Jeremiah" last="Alexander"], [player_tooltip player_id="125529" first="Peter" last="Woods"], [player_tooltip player_id="125520" first="Tony" last="Mitchell"], [player_tooltip player_id="125427" first="Trequon" last="Fegans"],</strong> and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id="125437" first="Trevor" last="Hardy"] </strong>all making it near impossible for opposing offenses to gain anything on the ground or through the air. In addition to their star-filled defense, Thompson’s offense has certainly matched up to their play. Senior quarterback and recent North Carolina commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125933" first="Conner" last="Harrell"] </strong>has been playing just as fantastic as last year, as he has been delivering beautiful passes to receivers like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="127508" first="Jaylen" last="Ward"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="127511" first="Ryan" last="Peppins"] </strong>week after week. Junior offensive lineman <strong>Stanton Ramil</strong> has broken out so far this year, protecting his quarterback and paving the run game for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="126054" first="Ahmari" last="Bolden"] </strong>has led to him receiving multiple offers this month. <strong>HEWITT TRUSSVILLE-</strong> After getting knocked out of the playoffs last year in a 42-16 loss to Thompson, Hewitt-Trussville is seeking revenge this week. Hewitt-Trussville has had a fantastic start to this season, as their offense has averaged 42.5 points a game against tough opponents like Pinson Valley, Saraland, Spain Park, and Tuscaloosa County. Senior quarterback <strong>Cade Caruth</strong> has built incredible chemistry with wide receiver and Auburn commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="126083" first="Omari" last="Kelly"]</strong>, as they are able to constantly cause havoc through the air. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="129491" first="Riley" last="Quick"] </strong>and <strong>Ryan Gunter </strong>are a huge factor in their offensive success, they are able to contain pressure extremely well, allowing the passing game to flourish. Defensively, Hewitt-Trussville has played great as well, only allowing 51 points so far this season. A large part of their success can be attributed to their defensive line. Defensive ends <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125463" first="Justice" last="Finkley"] </strong>and <strong>Hunter Osbourne</strong> are absolute monsters offenses have to plan around, when they get to the backfield, chaos ensues. Defensive back <strong>Rickey Gibson</strong> has had a great start to the year as well, consistently playing great coverage and supporting in the run game. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>OUR PREDICTION</strong></span></em></span> Most of what this game will end up coming down to is who wins in the trenches. Both teams have great offensive and defensive linemen, and whoever can dominate the line of scrimmage will have the upper hand offensively. It’s going to be difficult for the Hewitt-Trussville offense to perform as well as they have against this Thompson defense. Numbers don’t lie, and with the sheer amount of talent Thompson has on that side of the ball, Hewitt Trussville’s offensive line is going to be challenged in creating time for <strong>Cade Caruth </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="126083" first="Omari" last="Kelly"]</strong> to continue their great play. Thompson is going to have to contain<strong> Justice Finkely </strong>and <strong>Hunter Osbourne. </strong>As good as their offense is, those are two guys you do not want anywhere near the backfield. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125933" first="Conner" last="Harrell"] </strong>in a clean pocket is a very dangerous player, if he has time to throw, it will end up being a very long night for Hewitt-Trussville’s secondary. All in all, Hewitt-Trussville and Thompson are facing off in one of the most important 7A games they have this season. This is going to be a wild game, with tons of collegiate talent and two passionate fanbases; to say we are excited is a massive understatement!