Before kickoff, the Thompson football team gathered in the north endzone outside its locker room. A white banner to run through unfurled along the goal line. Colorfully written along the front, in block lettering, was ‘Warriors Dynasty,’ a reminder of the status quo in Alabama’s largest classification.

Along 1921 Warrior Parkway, it’s the norm for Friday night lights to flick on late into November for a playoff run. But as the team took the field against Huntsville, it faced some challenges. This would be Thompson’s lone home game in the postseason. And its offense would be led by an 8th-grader making the first start of his career.

The scoreboard, however, showed a final outcome many expected: Thompson 34, Huntsville 0. Behind a dominant showing by the defense and four touchdowns from quarterback Trent Seaborn, Thompson (8-3) inched one week closer to the Super 7 and a chance to collect another blue map.

Huntsville (6-5) battled back all year: From its 1-2 start to three-straight wins; from a pair of region losses in December to handing Decatur-Austin its first region loss of the season, clinching its first playoff berth since 2017 with the victory. A junior triumvirate of quarterback Jacks McClung, running back Carlin Long and wide receiver Huck Hensley charged the offense’s upset hopes with 28.6 points a game.

But through its run, the Warriors have retooled with dominant defenses and the opening round was no different. Clemson commit and five-star defensive lineman Peter Woods made four tackles. Senior linebacker Seth Hampton led the team with six-and-a-half.

They forced McClung to scramble and limited Long to 2.2 yards a carry.

Thompson’s offense had some season-long miscues appear with a few pre-snap penalties and confusion on routes. But with each snap, Seaborn, who joined the program in 2018, looked more comfortable. On one second-half drive, Seaborn motioned a wideout inside before hitting Korbyn Williams on the far hash. The 5-foot-10 senior shook a tackle and capped off the 19-yard score.

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Star of the game: Trent Seaborn (Thompson). Filling in for the injured Zach Sims — head coach Mark Freeman said the junior needed some rest and will be reevaluated during the week — Seaborn was nearly spotless if not for a first-quarter interception. He worked off his reads well, found playmakers often and started to show off his deep ball accuracy later in the game.

Key moment: Williams set up another score with a slick one-handed grab across midfield. He hauled in Seaborn’s pass with his right hand and was tackled inside the 10-yard-line. Michael Dujon’s ensuing touchdown run gave the Warriors a two-score lead.

Stat sheet: Thompson — Seaborn completed 33 of 40 passes for 342 yards and four scores. Williams caught two scores on seven completions for 83 yards. Duece Oliver led the team with 12 catches and 106 yards. Anquon Fegans tallied a late interception. Huntsville — McClung threw for 110 yards. Rodarrius Hardy made a team-high six tackles, including one for a loss.

They said it: “It’s just all working parts and we have to get the ball to the right person. We did that a couple times tonight,” Freeman said.

“Trent is a guy that I completely trust him to where he’s at. He knows our offense really good. He got (junior varsity) games, he’s got all summer with us,” Freeman said. “He brings a little different element. It’s good to have those two guys.”

“Zach is my best friend,” Seaborn said. “I don’t know what I would do without him. He’s really like an older brother to me.

“I’ve known Coach Freeman for so long. He’s like a second dad to me. He’s taken me under his wing. Taught me everything about Thompson and the offense.”

What’s next? The Panthers’ season ends with Mark Fleetwood’s second postseason appearance in his six-year tenure. Huntsville won three more games than it did last year. Thompson will travel to Vestavia Hills on Nov. 11.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].