Hoover falls to powerhouse IMG Academy

Hoover, AL – The Hoover Bucs (8-2) fell to Florida powerhouse IMG Academy (9-1) 38-7 Friday night at the Hoover Met to closeout the regular season.

“We are going to play the best competition we can around here. We’ll lock in and get ready for the playoffs. This is the season we play for and we’re excited about it.” Hoover head coach Josh Niblett said after the Bucs dropped their third consecutive matchup with the national power Ascenders.

IMG, who came into the contest ranked 13th in this week’s High School Football America Top 100, rushed for 255 yards while holding the 3rd ranked Bucs to just under 100 yards. The loss dropped the Bucs to 0-3 all-time against the Ascenders.

IMG running back Kaytron Allen lead the Ascenders on the ground with 153 yards and 3 touchdowns. Quarterback D.J. Boney completed 12-of-16 throws for 107 yards.

Anthony Hayes scored the Bucs lone touchdown while rushing for 45 yards on eight carries. Junior signal caller Josh Lundy passed for 52 yards, connecting on 7-of-19 passes.

Hoover will return starting quarterback Robby Ashford next week as the Bucs welcome the Sparkman Senators (8-2) to the Met to open the 7A postseason. Ashford, an Ole Miss commit, went down with a foot injury during Hoover’s September 6th loss at region champ Thompson.