By ERIC STARLING/For the Reporter

The Thompson Warriors’ long season came to a close on Oct. 30 as they hosted the Chelsea Hornets.  Defense kept the Warriors in the game in the first half, but fatigue proved too much as they lost to the Hornets, 33-20.

Chelsea took possession to start the contest and on the first play from scrimmage, the Warriors forced a Hornet fumble.  Thompson’s Nick Mobley recovered and set the Warriors up at the Chelsea 13-yard line.

The Warriors struggled to gain a single yard, so on fourth down, senior David Buckelew kicked the field goal to get the Warriors on the board first with a 3-0 lead.

Chelsea took over again at their 20-yard line and proceed to move the ball down the field.  The nine play drive was capped off with a 10 yard scoring run by quarterback Matt Marquet.  The extra point made it 7-3, Chelsea.

Both teams struggled to move the ball until midway through the second quarter,  Chelsea intercepted the Warriors and took over inside Thompson territory.  Marquet hit Jay Vickers for a 25-yard gain, but the play was called back due to the Hornets holding on the play. Marquet then called his own number and scrambled 42 yards to the Thompson five.  Three plays later, Anthony Jones carried it in from two yards out and the Hornets led 13-3 after the missed point after attempt.

A pass interference call in the end zone allowed the Warriors to extend their drive just before the half and with 23 seconds left they settled for a 15-yard field goal by Buckelew to go into the half trailing just 13-6.

The Warriors started the second half with the ball on their own 35-yard line.  The three play drive was all Jordan Haywood.  Haywood ran for 67 yards on the very first play, and then ran seven and one yard respectively.  The one yard touchdown gave Thompson a tie just one minute into the second half.

On their next two series, the Hornets scored two touchdowns each from 7-yards out.  Jones and Marquet each scored giving Chelsea the 27-13 lead.

Thompson’s next possession was almost halted by an interception, but the Hornets were called for a holding penalty and Thompson maintained possession.  The drive was capped off by a 3-yard touchdown pass from J. Haywood to Patrick Haywood.  Buckelew’s extra point pulled the Warriors with seven at 27-20.

Chelsea scored the final points of the game with eight minutes remaining in regulation.  Marquet connected with Adam Holliday for the score and the extra point was no good leaving the score at 33-20.