Mountain Brook Knocks Off Hoover 34-24 Ending Eight Year Drought

Hoover, AL – In a thrilling Over the Mountain showdown Friday night at the Hoover Met, Mountain Brook emerged victorious with a score of 34-24 over Hoover Bucs. The win marked a significant milestone for the Spartans, as it was their first victory over the Bucs since 2011.

The game was a testament to the Spartans’ determination and skill on both sides of the ball. Running back Cole Gamble proved to be the standout player of the night, displaying his versatility by scoring from various positions on the field. Gamble’s remarkable performance included touchdowns from 55 yards, 2 yards, 1 yard, and 13 yards, often executing plays from the Wildcat formation. In a remarkable display of endurance, Gamble carried the ball an astounding 38 times, accumulating an impressive 239 rushing yards.

However, it was the Mountain Brook defense that truly stole the show, allowing the Spartans to seize the lead in a game that had seen both teams locked in a 14-14 tie with just 1:29 remaining in the first quarter. Facing a seemingly unstoppable Hoover aerial attack early on, the Spartans’ defense delivered back-to-back three-and-outs and managed to force a crucial fumble to hold the Bucs in check.  The first half was punctuated by a John Cooper to Hudson Young 24 yard touchdown strike to give the visitors a commanding 27-14 lead at the break.  

Although Hoover made a valiant effort to stage a comeback, narrowing the gap to 27-17 with a 30-yard field goal in the third quarter, it was Gamble who dashed their hopes by scoring his fourth touchdown, extending the Spartans’ lead to 34-17.

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The Bucs did manage a late-game touchdown when JJ Moultrie returned a kick an impressive 94 yards into the endzone. This brought Hoover back within 10 points; however, their onside kick attempt was successfully recovered by the Spartans’ Hampton King at the Bucs’ 49-yard line.

Spartans signal caller John Cooper completed 11-of-13 passes for 189 yards and a score.  

Hoover quarterback, Noah Schubach, finished the night completing 10-of-14 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns, including a remarkable 65-yard pass to Jordan Woolen on first play of the contest. 

With the victory, Mountain Brook, ranked 7th in Class 6A, not only ended an eight-year drought against Hoover but also improved their record to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in Class 6A, Region 5 play. On the horizon, Hoover looks to rebound as they welcome the struggling Oak Mountain Eagles (1-5) to the Hoover Met next Friday night. Meanwhile, Mountain Brook will take the week off before gearing up to host the 4th-ranked Parker Thundering Herd (5-1) on October 12th.