Dominant Defense and Late Heroics Propel Hewitt-Trussville Past Hoover in a 17-14 Thriller

HOOVER, AL – In a high-stakes Class 7A, Region 3 showdown, the Hewitt-Trussville Huskies edged out the Hoover Buccaneers 17-14 on Friday night, continuing their undefeated streak this season. The win not only solidifies Hewitt’s position as a contender in Class 7A but also marks a rare victory at the Hoover Met, a feat achieved only once since 1997.

A Defensive Masterclass by Hewitt-Trussville

Known for their offensive prowess, the Huskies showcased their defensive dominance, holding Hoover to just 202 total yards. This performance underscores why Hewitt boasts one of the elite defensive units in Alabama high school football. The Huskies, who led Class 7A in scoring defense last season, delivered a relentless effort, registering four sacks, seven tackles for loss, and forcing two critical turnovers.

The game’s pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter when linebacker Harrison Malone delivered a crushing hit on Hoover’s quarterback, forcing a fumble that D’ante Seals recovered deep in Buccaneer territory. While the Huskies didn’t score on the ensuing drive, they managed to drain valuable time off the clock, leaving Hoover with just over a minute for a final, desperate attempt.

Offensive Highlights and Key Plays

Both teams started strong, trading touchdowns on their opening drives. Hewitt-Trussville struck first with a 72-yard drive capped by freshman quarterback Jack Floyd’s 21-yard touchdown pass to Dylan Cope. Cope’s leaping grab over a defender set the tone for the Huskies’ offense. Hoover quickly responded with a stunning 44-yard touchdown pass from Kaleb Freeman to Jeremiah Tabb on a third-and-33 play, leveling the score at 7-7.

Hoover gained momentum in the second quarter, capitalizing on favorable field position. Jonah Winston’s 13-yard wildcat touchdown run gave the Buccaneers a 14-7 lead heading into halftime. However, Hewitt’s defense turned the tide in the third quarter, forcing a safety when a high snap on a Hoover punt sailed out of the back of the end zone, cutting the deficit to 14-9.

The Huskies’ offense found its rhythm in the fourth quarter. Deuce Alston powered through Hoover’s defense for an 8-yard touchdown run, capping an 11-play drive. Jack Floyd’s successful two-point conversion gave Hewitt a 17-14 lead, a scoreline that held until the final whistle.

Standout Performances

Jack Floyd led the Huskies with a balanced performance, completing 11-of-17 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown while adding 74 rushing yards on 15 carries. Dylan Cope was his go-to target, hauling in six receptions for 59 yards. The Huskies’ ground game was a collective effort, with CJ Davis, Deuce Alston, and James Kelly combining for over 130 rushing yards.

For Hoover, Kaleb Freeman completed 16-of-23 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. Jeremiah Tabb emerged as the Buccaneers’ top receiver, catching five passes for 84 yards, including his electrifying first-quarter touchdown. Keilan Jefferson led Hoover’s rushing attack with 57 yards on nine carries.

What’s Next?

Hewitt-Trussville (4-0, 2-0) continues its journey in the fiercely competitive Class 7A, Region 3, traveling to Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (3-1, 1-1) next week. Meanwhile, Hoover (1-3, 0-2) will look to bounce back as they head south to Prattville (3-1, 2-0).

With their defense firing on all cylinders and a young quarterback stepping up under pressure, the Huskies have firmly established themselves as a team to watch in Class 7A. As the playoff race heats up, Hewitt-Trussville’s recent victories over Vestavia Hills and Hoover could prove crucial for postseason seeding.