No matter how the Alabama High School Athletic Association changes the Class 7A playoff format, it almost always turns out the same way.

With Thompson High holding the Blue Map.

The Warriors dominated Opelika on a chilly night at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium on Wednesday night, building a 34-3 lead on the way to their second straight state title and sixth in seven years.

Final score: Thompson 48, Opelika 10

“What a journey,” Warriors coach Mark Freeman said. “A lot of us were touched by this unusual year and journey. Only God could put us in this position. I’m thankful for our guys, our coaches and everything they put into this.”

Thompson lost three close games in the regular season but won the final four to finish 11-3. They won the first two playoff games over Carver-Montgomery a

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