The Bama Buzz Game of the Week: Clay-Chalkville meets Thompson in battle of powerhouse programs
Reading time: 4 minutes
Every year, the sixth week of the high school football season brings plenty of exciting non-region matchups. For each of the last two seasons, the week has been highlighted by a matchup of two of the top programs in the entire state.
Thompson and Clay-Chalkville split the last two meetings, each winning by just three points on the road. This year, neither team is ranked first in their respective classifications but the hype is still the same.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Who: #2 Clay-Chalkville Cougars (4-0) at #3 Thompson Warriors (4-1)
- Where: Warrior Stadium, 1932 Warrior Pkwy, Alabaster, AL 35007
- When: 7PM, Friday, Sept. 27
- Tickets: $12 | Buy here
- Watch: My68 in central Alabama
MaxPreps has this matchup as the ninth best game in the entire country this week.
Keep reading to find out more about the two teams playing in our spotlight game + check out some of the other top matchups to watch Friday night.
Clay-Chalkville Cougars
The Cougars may not have the recruiting star power of previous seasons but through the first four games of the season, they have proven themselves to still be a serious contender in Class 6A. And no one should be surprised.
Since 2019, Clay-Chalkville has:
- 62-7 record
- 2 state championships
- 3 region titles
That standard has not changed since Stuart Floyd took over the head coaching job this season. In the first four weeks of the season, the Cougars have outscored their opponents 177-14.
The team is currently riding an 18-game winning streak and it has won 41 of its last 43 games. One of those wins was an instant classic when they defeated Thompson 36-33 on national television last season.
This year’s Cougars are led by new faces but are just as lethal. Some names to know include wide receivers Jabari Staples and Marlon Compton while Aaron Osley and Josh Woods lead the rushing attack.
Thompson Warriors
If you thought Clay-Chalkville’s success has been impressive, Thompson is somehow on another level. The Warriors might be in the midst of the best high school football dynasty this state has ever seen.
Since 2019, Thompson has:
- 65-8 record
- 4 state championships
- 3 region titles
This game may not get them any closer to winning another blue map but it’s certainly a challenge coach Mark Freeman hopes can pay off further down the road.
Thompson’s offense is still led by quarterback Trent Seaborn who has seemingly been playing for 10 years but he’s still just a sophomore. I’d recommend watching this kid every chance you can get. If he has time, he throws one of the best deep balls in the state.
Meanwhile, the Warriors defense is loaded with collegiate level talent. Some of those top recruits include:
- Jared Smith | Auburn commit | 5-star edge rusher
- Anquon Fegans | Auburn commit | 4-star safety
- Nikolas Alston | Tulane commit | 3-star defensive lineman
Other games to watch in Week 5
The original schedule for this week has already been impacted by Hurricane Helene with two games being canceled including Auburn playing Moody and Central-Phenix City hosting IMG Academy.
Make sure to keep an eye on the weather and any further updates from schools on potential cancellations.
But the rest of the slate is currently still loaded with ranked matchups and some fun non-region rivalries to keep an eye on. Here’s some of our top games of the week:
- 6A #3 Spain Park at 7A #10 James Clemens
- 6A #4 Parker at 7A #5 Hoover
- 6A #7 Homewood at 6A #10 Mountain Brook
- 5A #1 Montgomery Catholic at 6A #1 Saraland
- 5A #3 Clay Central at 5A #7 Scottsboro
- 3A #3 Fyffe at 2A #5 Coosa Christian
- 3A #6 Gordo at 1A Pickens County
What are you most looking forward to in Week 5? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.
