MACON – Brookwood went toe-to-toe with the top ranked team in Class 4-A of the Georgia Independent Athletic Association on Friday night. Unfortunately, Stratford Academy’s run-oriented attack churned out yardage and wore down the Warriors’ defense down the stretch.

The Eagles rushed for 231 yards after halftime, outscored the Warriors 21-6 in the second half and soared to a 45-26 victory.

“I thought we had good pad level at times, particularly in the second quarter. I thought we were winning at the line of scrimmage some,” Brookwood coach Shane Boggs said. “On one hand, I was really, really proud of how hard we fought. What a great opportunity we had, early in the fourth quarter when it was still a two-score game. We’re at about the 10 (yard line) against the No. 1 team in 4-A. They played for the state championship last year.

“We didn’t convert, and they go 95 yards. They certainly won the line of scrimmage on that series.”

The loss overshadowed a fantastic performance from senior running back TJ Thomas. He rushed for 165 yards and three touchdowns and caught four passes for 109 yards and one touchdown. But Thomas failed to get a carry late inside the 10-yard line when the Warriors threatened to cut into the Eagles’ fourth quarter lead. Brookwood elected to pass on four straight plays and failed to score.

“Certainly, any time you don’t score, you regret not giving No. 5 the ball. We dropped a touchdown over here and missed one over here on that same drive. As soon as the drive ended, I was kicking myself for not handing it to No. 5. We tried to throw it to him a little bit,” Boggs said. “I think TJ’s the best player out here, so you’ve got to get him the ball there inside the 10, and I didn’t. That’s on me.”

Thomas had big play touchdowns of 61 yards on a pass early in the first quarter and on an 80-yard jaunt in the third quarter.

Brookwood quarterback Rodge Waldrop finished with 153 yards passing, but had an interception returned for a touchdown in the first quarter.

Brookwood will be off next week before traveling to John Milledge Academy on Sept. 22.