Hoover Dominates Tuscaloosa County 51-7
HOOVER, AL – The No. 10 Hoover Bucs secured their fourth consecutive win Thursday night, defeating Tuscaloosa County 51-7 at the Hoover Met. The victory on senior night keeps the Buccaneers’ playoff hopes alive, improving their record to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in Class 7A, Region 3. Tuscaloosa County remains winless at 0-7.
Hoover established control early and never let up. The offense amassed 263 rushing yards, while the defense held the Wildcats (0-7, 0-5) to just 180 total yards for the game.
The scoring began in the first quarter with a 36-yard field goal from James Bryant, followed by a 6-yard touchdown run by Keilan Jefferson to give Hoover a 10-0 lead.
In the second quarter, the Bucs’ special teams made a significant play when Trey Sanders blocked a punt. This set up an immediate 31-yard touchdown run by J.R. Mosley on the next play. The offensive surge continued with a 9-yard scoring run from Jonah Winston. Wide receiver Hunter Purdue capped the first-half scoring with a spectacular 68-yard end-around touchdown, putting Hoover ahead 31-0 at halftime.
Hoover’s momentum carried into the third quarter. On the first play from scrimmage, quarterback Kaleb Freeman connected with Jeremiah Tabb for a 56-yard touchdown pass. Later in the quarter, backup quarterback Hudson Babb extended the lead with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Ian Suttle.
The defense added to the point total when linebacker Nate Johnson forced a fumble on a blitz. Jarrett Goldsby recovered the ball and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown, pushing the score to 51-0.
Tuscaloosa County avoided the shutout late in the fourth quarter. Corey Kimble finished a 13-play drive with a rushing touchdown, marking the Wildcats’ only score of the night.
Freeman completed 7 of 8 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown. Tabb was the leading receiver with 72 yards. Purdue contributed 85 total yards and a touchdown on four touches, while C.J. Cowley led the running backs with 51 yards.
Next week, Hoover will face the defending state champions and No. 2 ranked Thompson. Tuscaloosa County will host the No. 6 ranked Vestavia Hills Rebels.
