Hillcrest Stuns No. 3 Hoover 34-26 in Class 7A, Region 3 Opener

HOOVER, AL – The Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa Patriots secured a significant victory Friday night, upsetting the third-ranked Hoover Bucs 34-26 at the Hoover Met. The win marked a pivotal start to the Class 7A, Region 3 schedule for both teams. With this impressive road performance, the Patriots remain undefeated at 3-0, while the Bucs slip to 1-2.

A Fast Start for the Patriots

Hillcrest wasted no time establishing its presence, storming to a 21-3 lead in the opening quarter. Running back Jacobi Harris was the driving force behind the early surge, finding the end zone on three separate runs of 5, 8, and 2 yards. Hoover’s only response in the period came from the foot of James Bryant, who converted a 37-yard field goal with just three seconds left on the clock.

Bucks Battle Back

The second quarter saw a shift in momentum as the Hoover football team began to claw its way back. Running back Kaleb Freeman punched in a 4-yard touchdown run with 9:59 remaining in the first half, trimming the Hillcrest lead to 21-10. Later, Keilan Jefferson narrowed the gap further with a 1-yard touchdown plunge, making the score 21-16 after a failed two-point conversion attempt.

The comeback effort continued into the second half, but the Patriots’ defense and special teams held firm.

Second Half Showdown

Hillcrest extended its advantage in the third quarter when kicker Elijah Miller successfully booted a field goal, pushing the score to 24-16 with 4:23 left to play. Hoover answered swiftly as time wound down in the period. Malik Boggan scored on a 7-yard run, and Bryant’s successful extra point brought the Bucs within one, at 24-23.

Just when it seemed Hoover had seized control, the Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa Patriots delivered a decisive response. Harris broke free for a crucial 21-yard touchdown run, his fourth of the game. Miller then added a 37-yard field goal, giving the Patriots a comfortable 34-23 cushion.

Hoover managed one final score, a 24-yard field goal from Bryant, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. The game concluded with a 34-26 final, giving Hillcrest a monumental win to start its region campaign.

Key Performances

Despite the loss, Hoover out-gained Hillcrest in total yards, 351 to 268. The Bucs’ offense amassed 209 yards through the air, with quarterback Kaleb Freeman completing 15 of his 32 pass attempts. Jeremiah Tabb was his primary target, hauling in 5 receptions for 84 yards. Jonah Winston also contributed with 4 catches for 68 yards. In the ground game, Paxton Weatherly led Hoover with 48 yards on 9 carries.

For the victorious Patriots, quarterback Jordan Shambley had an efficient night, completing 8-of-14 passes for 143 yards. His top receiver, Kahden Smith, had a stellar performance with 7 catches for 139 yards. On the ground, Jayeveon Lowe led with 52 yards on 7 carries, while game-hero Jacobi Harris tallied 51 yards on 21 carries to go with his four touchdowns.

Looking Ahead in Class 7A Region 3

With the win, Hillcrest improves to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the highly competitive Class 7A, Region 3. They will travel back to the Birmingham area next week to face another ranked opponent, the No. 5 Vestavia Hills Rebels (2-1).

Hoover, now 1-2 overall and 0-1 in the region, faces another tough test. The Bucs will return to the Hoover Met to host the undefeated and fourth-ranked Hewitt-Trussville Huskies in another critical Region 3 matchup.