By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

NORTHPORT – Thompson High School quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa lit up the scoreboard while getting a visit from his older brother on Sept. 21, as the Warriors shut out Tuscaloosa County 35-0 to improve to 4-1, 2-1 in Class 7A Region 3, on the season.

Tagovailoa completed 25 of 48 passing attempts for 350 yards and three touchdowns, and added another 23 yards and a touchdown on the ground in the win, as the visiting team cruised to victory.

Early in the game, Taulia’s older brother Tua, the University of Alabama starting quarterback, made an appearance to support his brother and see his family members in attendance.

Thompson jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, when Tagovailoa scored on a 1-yard rushing touchdown followed by a 56-yard touchdown scamper from running back Shad Byrd.

Tagovailoa connected with Byrd on a 10-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to give the Warriors a 21-0 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, Tagovailoa threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to J.B. Mitchell, and the Warriors put the game on ice early in the fourth quarter when Tagovailoa connected with Michael Pettway on a 7-yard touchdown pass.

Evan McGuire was 4-for-4 on PAT attempts, and Brayden Pitts added the extra point after the final touchdown.

Byrd was the Warriors’ rushing leader, racking up 103 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Pettway led Thompson in receiving with nine catches for 115 yards, followed by Mitchell with four catches for 89 yards.

On defense, Elijah Clayton ended the night with four solo tackles and an assist, Eric Mizell had three solo tackles and two assists and Will Connor had three solo tackles. Jalen Bustamonte recorded an interception.

Thompson has a bye week on Sept. 28, and will host Spain Park on Oct. 5.