In a game defined by turnovers and momentum swings, the Thomson Bulldogs capitalized when it mattered most, pulling away late to defeat the Callaway Cavaliers 28–19 in a GHSA Class 2A second-round playoff matchup Friday night.
With the victory, Thomson advances to the quarterfinals, where the Bulldogs will go on the road to face the No. 1-ranked Carver Tigers, who rolled past Stephens County 56–0.
Callaway returned the opening kickoff into Thomson territory and drove to the Bulldogs’ 28-yard line before losing a fumble, the first of six on the night. Thomson gave the ball right back minutes later, and Callaway took advantage when its quarterback kept the ball on a big run to the 1-yard line before punching it in for the game’s first score. The extra point made it 7–0 with 2:26 remaining in the opening quarter.
Thomson answered early in the second quarter when Zay Brinson powered in for a 4-yard touchdown run. The PAT tied the game 7–7 with 11:07 to go before halftime.
Callaway bounced back with a momentum-shifting defensive play, returning a fumble 87 yards for a touchdown. However, the missed extra point left the Cavaliers ahead 13–7 with 4:21 remaining in the half.
Thomson seized control before the break as Jaris Sinkfield scored on a short touchdown run, and the Bulldogs converted the extra point to take a 14–13 lead, one they would never relinquish.
The Bulldogs nearly extended their lead on the opening drive of the second half, marching to the 1-yard line before turning the ball over on downs. The defense for both teams took control to keep the score 14–13 heading into the fourth quarter.
Early in the final period, Brinson delivered the play of the night, scooping up a Callaway fumble and racing 90 yards for a touchdown to give Thomson a 21–13 advantage. Sinkfield added another touchdown with 4:43 left, stretching the lead to 28–13.
Callaway refused to quit, scoring on a 14-yard pass late in the game, but the Cavaliers were unable to recover the ensuing onside kick as Thomson closed out the win.
Both teams had trouble protecting the ball. Callaway fumbled six times and lost four, while Thomson fumbled three times and lost two.
Thomson finished with 345 total yards of offense compared to Callaway’s 168, using big plays and late execution to punch its ticket to the state quarterfinals.
Next week, the Bulldogs will face their toughest test of the season as they travel to meet undefeated and top-ranked Carver.
