Thomson advanced to the quarterfinals of the AAA Georgia High School State Playoffs after a 14-7 win over Ringgold at the Brickyard on Nov. 19.
The Bulldogs received the ball first but could not take advantage on the opening drive. Ringgold also would fail to get anything going on their opening drive and was forced to punt.
Late in the first quarter, Thomson drove downfield and added their first touchdown of the game on a 7-yard pass from quarterback Taymarion Martin. Kicker Connor Askew added the extra point to make the score 7-0 with 3:16 remaining in the first quarter.
The Tigers added their first touchdown of the game midway through the second quarter on a 43-yard pass from quarterback Mason Parker to running back Peyton Williams. Kicker Landor Eaker added the extra point, tying the game 7-7.
Both teams were held scoreless the rest of the half and went into halftime tied.
Thomson running back Jontavious Curry put the Bulldogs in scoring position with 1:24 remaining in the third quarter on a 54-yard rush and was tackled at the 2-yard line.
Curry threw the ball for a 6-yard touchdown to wide receiver Ashton Perry on the first play of the fourth quarter. Askew made the extra point to make the score 14-7.
Ringold had a chance to score with Thomson fumbling at their own 22-yard line, but the Bulldog defense forced an interception to regain possession.
The Bulldogs played ball control for the final six minutes of the game, hanging on to 14-7 lead.
Thomson’s defense and rushing game was the key factor, rushing for 265 yards while holding the Ringgold Tigers to 143 offensive yards in total.
Thomson (11-0) will go on to face Appling County (11-1) next Friday, Nov. 26 in the quarterfinal round of the playoffs. The location is to be announced later in the week.
Chris Rickerson is a Sports Contributor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at CRICKERSON@augusta.edu.
