Thorsby’s 39-8 loss at American Christian on Friday could actually be seen as the merciful conclusion of a long day.

First, a wreck on Interstate 65 delayed the Rebels’ arrival in Fultondale. The bus left at 3:30 p.m. but didn’t reach its destination, about 55 miles away, until 6:15 p.m.

And the hosts’ homecoming festivities meant Thorsby barely even had time to stretch before the game.

The visitors scored on their first drive, recovered a fumbled snap on Thorsby’s first play with possession of the football, and then scored again.

Lightning delayed the already rain soaked game by an hour and a half about halfway through the second quarter.

Marcus Bray scored on a run of about 50 yards in the fourth quarter (a snap that sailed over the head of the Fultondale punter and into the end zone resulted in a safety and Thorsby’s first points of the game).