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A stingy defense and a persistent running game allowed Thorsby to pull away from Winterboro in the second half, 20-7, for a happy Homecoming on Friday.

Thorsby coach Billy Jackson said he was proud of his team being able to overcome several injuries to important contributors and the distractions that come with Homecoming.

“It shows true character on their part—that even though we’ve faced all this adversity, they’re still going hard for us,” Jackson said. “You couldn’t ask for a better attitude from the guys.”

Visiting Winterboro (2-3 overall, 1-2 region) scored first, but Thorsby (3-2, 1-1) tied the game on a 10-yard run by Tyler Bowden.

Tyler Owens added the point-after with 40.2 seconds remaining in the first half.

Senior Laken Hayes was crowned the school’s Homecoming queen at halftime, and the fun was just beginning for THS fans.

Quarterback Conner McRae kept the ball for a 2-yard touchdown run that gave Thorsby the lead with 5:54 remaining in the third quarter. Owens added the extra point.

The Rebels sealed the game when, on a fourth down and six to go from Winterboro’s 7-yard line, McRae passed over the middle to Dylan Carroll, who caught the touchdown pass as he was falling.

The Rebels rushed for 157 yards in the game and passed for 53.

Kevin Owens was the leading rusher with 71 yards on 20 carries.

Carroll caught two passes for 36 yards.

Alex Robinson and Bowden both had interceptions for the Thorsby defense.