THOMSON – Thomson High School Football ended Hephzibah’s seven game winning streak, defeating the 3A Region Champs 21-14 on Friday, Nov. 6 at The Brickyard.
“Resilient,” said Thomson Football Coach Michael Youngblood. “They attacked when we needed to and gave the effort when we needed it. I’m proud of these kids and the seniors.”
It was senior night for the Bulldogs and a possible must win game to secure a spot in the in the Georgia High School Football 3A Playoffs.
“We treated this like playoff football tonight” Youngblood said. “We did what we needed to do to find a way to win.”
The Bulldogs struck first in the game with a 1-yard touchdown run by Senior Zay Brinson, making the score 7-0 midway through the first quarter.
Thomson’s defense was the key factor all night, stuffing the Hephzibah run attack and not letting them convert fourth downs. The Bulldogs held the Rebels scoreless in the first half.
Brinson helped Thomson score its second touchdown of the game at the beginning of the second half, catching a 12-yard touchdown pass to give the Bulldogs a 14-0 lead.
Hephzibah looked to score in the middle of the third quarter, but Thomson’s defensive back Jamonie Grier intercepted the ball in the endzone to keep the Rebels scoreless.
The Rebels first score would not come until the fourth quarter on a two-yard rushing touchdown by Reante Byrd, but they failed on the extra point attempt to keep the Rebels down 14-6.
Brinson helped secure the Bulldogs win with his third touchdown of the night, making the score 21-6 with 2:21 remaining in the game.
Hephzibah added its second touchdown on a pass from quarterback Trust Mack but would fail secure the onside kick, losing the game 21-14.
With an 8-2 record and 3A Region Championship, Hephzibah secured a spot in the playoffs. Thomson, who has a 5-5 record, also secured a playoff spot with the win over Hephzibah and ranking as one of the top 32 teams in 3A for Georgia.
Despite Thomson’s record, four of its five losses were by 10 points or less.
“All season long it has been one play here or there,” Youngblood said. “We got some young guys in some positions, and I am proud of the way they played tonight.”
The seeding and opponents for the playoffs is to be announced.
Sportswriter Christopher Rickerson is an Augusta University graduate who has covered area sports for publications including Augusta University‘s Bell Ringer, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. He won three Georgia Press Association sports awards in 2026. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News’ free weekly newsletter here.
