Bryant’s Last Second 55-Yard Field Goal Lifts No. 8 Hoover Over Second Ranked Thompson

October 18, 2025

HOOVER, AL – A dramatic 55-yard field goal from kicker James Bryant as time expired secured a thrilling 33-30 victory for Hoover over the defending Class 7A state champion Thompson Warriors Friday night at the Hoover Met. The game-winning kick was the culmination of a standout performance for Bryant, who was perfect on the night.

Head coach Chip English’s Bucs have now won six consecutive games, after starting the season 0-3, to improve to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in Class 7A, Region 3. This win marks their third victory in the last four matchups against the Warriors, including a 27-26 overtime win during the 2024 regular season. Thompson slips to 6-3 on the season and 5-1 in region play. The Warriors’ three losses this year have come by a combined total of only eight points.

The fourth quarter saw a late lead change when Thompson quarterback Trent Seaborn connected with Pryce Lewis for a 6-yard touchdown pass. Lewis made a spectacular leaping catch in traffic, putting the Warriors ahead 30-27.

Hoover responded on the subsequent drive. A methodical march downfield set up Bryant for a 26-yard field goal with 3:56 remaining, tying the game at 30-30. After forcing a quick three-and-out from Thompson, Hoover’s offense took the field for the final possession. Despite a sack and a delay-of-game penalty, the Bucs positioned Bryant for his heroic, game-ending kick.

Throughout the game, Bryant also successfully converted field goals from 37, 34, and 26 yards.

Hoover’s offense was productive on the ground and through the air. Running back C.J. Cowley carried the ball 13 times for 92 yards, including a 9-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Kaleb Freeman completed 8 of his 13 passes for 176 yards, highlighted by a 52-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Tabb.

For Thompson, Trent Seaborn had a strong performance, completing 20-of-25 passes for 268 yards. He threw a 44-yard touchdown to Darion Mosley and the 6-yard go-ahead score to Lewis. Uriah Casey led the ground attack with 103 yards on 16 carries and a 6-yard touchdown run. Mosley was the top receiver with six catches for 98 yards.

Looking ahead, Hoover travels to Buddy Anderson field to face over-the-mountain rival Vestavia Hills (6-2, 4-2) next Friday night. Thompson will look to bounce back with a road trip to Prattville (5-3, 4-2).