Hoover Survives Late Parker Surge for 38-35 Win

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Class 7A Hoover stopped a fourth-quarter rally from Parker to secure a 38-35 win Friday at Major Brown Stadium in The Magic City. The Bucs move to 3-3, marking back-to-back victories after a tough start to the season.  The defending Class 6A champion Herd suffers their second consecutive loss to slip to 4-2 on the season, 2-0 in Region 5 play.  

Kaleb Freeman set the tone early for Hoover, firing a 34-yard touchdown pass to Jonah Winston. James Bryant nailed a 23-yard field goal late in the first quarter to put the Bucs up 10-7. Freeman then showcased his mobility, punching in a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by another score on a 9-yard keeper just before halftime. Hoover led 24-7 at the break.

The third quarter featured scores from both teams. Jeremiah Jackson powered in for Parker from three yards out, but Hoover answered with a 5-yard touchdown run by C.J. Crowley. Another Hoover touchdown extended the margin to 38-13 heading into the final period.

The Thundering Herd erupted in the fourth, putting up 22 unanswered points. Dylan Reese connected with Kentrell Davis for a 64-yard touchdown to open the quarter, then found Lazayveon Lowe on another 64-yard strike minutes later. On Hoover’s next drive, a tipped pass landed in the hands of Nedarius Davis, who took it 21 yards to the end zone. The momentum shift cut Hoover’s lead to just three with over nine minutes remaining.

Hoover’s defense responded down the stretch. After recovering Parker’s onside kick in the final minutes, the Bucs successfully ran out the clock to claim the win.

Looking ahead, Hoover returns to Class 7A, Region 3 action next week with a trip to Herdmont Park to take on the Oak Mountain Eagles (3-2, 1-2). Parker (4-2) travels to cross-town rival Jackson-Olin (2-3, 1-1) in a region matchup.