By NEAL EMBRY/For the Reporter

VESTAVIA HILLS — The Thompson Warriors almost pulled the comeback of the year against Vestavia Hills Friday night, but their effort fell just short in a 21-14 road loss.

Vestavia controlled the first half through a strong ground game.  The Rebels handed the ball off to senior running back Carter Jacobs six times on their first drive.  Jacob’s 29-yard run into the Thompson red zone set up quarterback Landon Crowder’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Nolan Turner to put the Rebels ahead, 7-0, midway through the first quarter.

After the rivals traded three and outs, the Rebels found themselves in Thompson territory after a 33-yard pass from Crowder to Remington Patterson.

On third and one, the Rebels appeared poised to strike for another score, but the Thompson defensive line broke through the Rebel’s front five, knocking Jacobs to the ground for a five-yard loss.  Crowder’s fourth-down pass attempt fell incomplete.

The Warriors had a chance to score before halftime, driving in Rebel territory, but a penalty and Vestavia sack kept them out of the end zone.

In the second half, Carter Jacobs proved himself invaluable for Vestavia.  After catching a 33-yard screen pass from Crowder, Jacobs put the Rebels up 14-0 on a 1-yard touchdown run.  He finished the night with 138 total yards and one score.

Later in the third quarter, Vestavia cornerback Ryan Dobbs intercepted Brammer’s pass and took it 30 yards into the end zone to give the Rebels a 21-0 lead.

The Warriors switched quarterbacks, as Jordan Haywood took Brammer’s place.  On his first drive, Haywood found multiple receivers, but it was Patrick Haywood that received the most targets, including a 47-yard touchdown to get Thompson on the board.

After a Vestavia turnover on downs with a minute left in the game, Patrick Haywood shined one more time, this time on a 79-yard end around run.  He finished the night with 213 total yards and two touchdowns on nine touches.

The Warriors attempted an onside kick to continue the comeback, but the Rebels recovered to ensure the victory.

Coach Mike Montgomery was proud of his team’s performance, despite the loss.

“We had some injuries, and some of our younger guys stepped up.  We’re a young team and we’re continuing to improve,” he said.

Thompson returns home Oct. 10 to face Hewitt-Trussville.