Kilgore Leads No. 2 Auburn Over 3rd Ranked Hoover
Hoover, AL – In a Class 7A matchup at the Hoover Met on Friday, the No. 2 Auburn Tigers dominated the No. 3 Hoover Bus with a final score of 39-14. Jackson Kilgore played a key role, throwing two touchdowns and running for another, while the Tiger defense held strong.
Auburn (1-0) initially faced difficulties, experiencing three consecutive three-and-out possessions. However, they managed to secure a 3-0 lead with a 55-yard field goal by Towns McGough in a 12-play, 52-yard drive at the end of the first quarter.
Responding to Auburn’s lead, the Bucs orchestrated an 80-yard scoring drive with a 1-yard touchdown run by Jonah Winston.
Auburn regained the lead after forcing a punt from the Bucs, with an 8-yard touchdown run by Tyler Flakes, concluding a 10-play, 58-yard drive. The Tigers closed the first half with a 40-yard field goal by McGough, going into the break with a 13-7 advantage.
The second half began with the Bucs in possession, but they swiftly gave the ball back to the Tigers as Jackson Mills intercepted aNoah Schuback pass, returning it 34 yards for a touchdown on the second play of the half. Hoover (0-1) managed to score again with a 35-yard touchdown run by Winston, but their offensive efforts were stifled by Auburn’s strong defense, lead by Deuce White.
Auburn controlled the remainder of the game, scoring on three consecutive possessions while preventing Hoover from making significant progress. Kilgore’s performance was notable, connecting with Cody Palmer for a 9-yard touchdown pass, executing a 22-yard scoring run, and throwing a 14-yard touchdown to Ean Nation, establishing a comfortable 39-14 lead with 7:41 left in the game.
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Deuce White, the 6-foot, 290-pound defensive tackle, made significant contributions in the second half, securing two crucial sacks and intercepting a Buccaneer pass in the fourth quarter.
Kilgore’s performance included completing 21-of-30 passes for 203 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He also contributed 25 rushing yards and a touchdown on six carries. Tyler Flakes led the rushing effort with 62 yards and a touchdown on 15 attempts, followed by Omar Mabson with 10 carries for 21 yards, and Mykel Ammons with four attempts for 20 yards. Palmer recorded five receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown, while Nation caught seven passes for 36 yards and a score. Tight end Griffin McLean added four receptions for 57 yards.
For Hoover, Schuback completed 13-of-30 passes for 162 yards, and Winston managed three rushing attempts for 39 yards and a pair of scores. Kamal Amerson added nine rushing attempts for 45 yards and a 20-yard reception.
The Tigers kick off Region 2 play next Friday night at Duck Samford Stadium hosting the Enterprise Wildcats (1-0). Hoover will return to the Met to take on the Oak Grove Warriors of Hattiesburg, MS in Week 1.
