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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

Thorsby High School was shocked late by Autauga Academy to fall 24-21 in the Rebels’ home opener for the 2024 season.

“Our guys played hard, and I think we have gotten better since week one,” Thorsby head coach Daryl Davis said. “We just need to get back to work to keep getting better next week.”

Thorsby held a slim 14-12 lead at halftime and was able to extend it quickly in the third quarter on Grayson McManus’ four-yard touchdown run to make it 21-12 following the extra point. The score stood there into the final frame, and all momentum looked to be on the Rebels’ side.

McManus ran for a team-high 144 yards on 15 carries as Thorsby combined for 212 rushing yards as a team. McManus added a 9-for-17 effort through the air with 79 yards and one interception. Brooks Barnett caught four passes to lead the receiving corps.

However, Autauga Academy rattled off 12 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and took the lead and the win on a short touchdown toss with around a minute to go. Thorsby drove down to inside the Autauga Academy 10-yard line, but they could not punch in the score.

The Rebels built their first half lead behind a 10-yard touchdown connection from Braylon Carroll to Christian Davenport in the first quarter, and a Tyler Lockhart 12-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter.

“We do not need to worry about what has happened in the past and just get better again this week,” Davis said. “These are the games that count (coming up), so I think we will be fine.”

Malachi Allgood led the Rebels’ defense with 14 tackles with one for a loss. Javien Cooper and Tyler Lockhart each followed with eight stops, and Barnett had two sacks. Cooper and Drew Waters each pulled down interceptions.

Thorsby (0-2) starts its Class 3A Region 3 slate hosting Sumter Central High School on Sept. 6. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.