Phillips Bears defeat Tharptown 37-22

By Shelly Hess
Courtesy of
Northwest Alabamian
BEAR CREEK — Phillips High School kicked off their 2022 football season Friday night, Aug. 26, against Tharptown, ultimately taming the Wildcats 37-22, even after a late rally by the visitors.
The Bears began their first offensive drive at the Tharptown 35 after a short punt from the Wildcats - who had gone three-and-out on their first possession - rolled out of bounds.  Lathen Burton caught a pass and was down to the six, making it first-and-goal.  Josh Mann gained three more yards on the next carry. Then the Bears were hit by an offsides penalty - the first of many penalties on the night for the home team.  Their luck worsened on the next play, as Tharptown’s Malachi Minor recovered a fumble, taking it back to near midfield.  The Bears defense was not having it, however, and Brayden Jordan got to the quarterback for a sack on third-and-long, forcing another punt.