Tuscaloosa Academy Dominates in Homecoming Game Blowout

Tuscaloosa Academy entered Thursday's matchup undefeated.

Breaking news: they finished the game undefeated, too. The Knights used both a host of talent and a boost from the homecoming crowd to blow out the Pirates 51-0 in a game that included eight-minute running-clock quarters in the second half, compared to the usual twelve.

But for the first time this year, the story doesn't revolve around Mark Norris and this high-powered offense. Instead, it will be inspired by the TA defense, which allowed Pickens Academy to cross midfield only a couple of occasions.

The Knights forced a punt on the opening drive and were off to a strong start: on the Knights' first offensive play, Norris found his running back, Charles Pavlick, on a swing pass for 50 yards and a touchdown. The score quickly doubled to 14-0 after Hinton Howell blocked a punt on PA's second possession. The field position resulted in a 20-yard touchdown drive for the Knights.

Get our free mobile app

The first quarter ended 20-0, and Norris had a score in the air and a pair on the ground. The Knights forced punts on every Pickens Academy drive until halftime.

TA kept it coming, handing the ball to one of the big boys! Vandin Thornton, a senior OL/DL, got the ball from about one yard out and made sure not to waste the opportunity. Tuscaloosa Academy ultimately went to the locker room up 41-0.

The second half left a lot to be desired, but again, it was only 16 minutes of running clock. However, on the opening kickoff, Pavlick took one all the way back for six, stretching the lead to 48 following the extra point.

Only a field goal was scored in the fourth quarter, as Pavlick also nailed a 37-yard kick to go along with being 6-7 on PAT's

TA welcomes ACA next week for a big rivalry matchup.