Friday night under the lights marks the start of the Class 6A football playoffs for two of Hoover’s most storied programs. The Hoover Bucs will travel north to face Bob Jones High School at Madison City Schools Stadium, while the Spain Park Jaguars head to New Market to meet Buckhorn at Tommy Ledbetter Stadium.
Hoover Bucs vs. Bob Jones
The Bucs (4‑6) arrive in Madison on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. for a crucial matchup against the Bob Jones Patriots (5‑5). Hoover earned the final playoff spot in Region 3 after a dominant 49‑0 victory over Tuscaloosa County on Oct. 23, highlighted by junior running back Jordon Ward’s three touchdowns. That win snapped a four‑game losing streak and secured the sixth and final seed.
Despite the road setting, Hoover enters the game as the favorite. The Bucs have a chance to bring starting quarterback Kaleb Freeman back into the lineup after he missed the last few weeks with an injury. If the Bucs prevail, they will advance to face Thompson in the second round.
Historically, Hoover has dominated this series, holding an 8‑0 record against Bob Jones, including a 45‑19 victory in 2022.
Spain Park Jaguars vs. Buckhorn
The Spain Park Jaguars (6‑4) also travel north for their opening playoff contest, meeting the Buckhorn Trojans (6‑4) at Tommy Ledbetter Stadium in New Market, also at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6.
Spain Park earned the No. 5 seed in Region 3 after a 48‑21 win over James Clemens last week. The Jaguars showcased an explosive second‑half surge, scoring 34 unanswered points and amassing 467 total yards, 259 on the ground. Head coach Tim Vakakes said the team expects a few key players to return for the playoffs, bolstering their chances.
In terms of common opponents, Buckhorn fell to James Clemens by 10 points and to Oak Mountain by 24, while Spain Park defeated Oak Mountain by three touchdowns, suggesting a favorable matchup for the Jaguars. The last meeting between the two schools was in 2007, when Spain Park won 35‑7.
A victory for Spain Park would set up a second‑round clash with Prattville.
How to Follow the Action
Fans can stay updated throughout the night and the rest of the season by following sports editor Kyle Parmley on X (@KyleParmley) and the Under the Lights social media accounts on Facebook and X. The Under the Lights email newsletter provides weekly score updates and game previews; readers can subscribe via the link provided in the original article.
Special thanks go to Southlake Orthopaedics for sponsoring the coverage of Hoover football this season.
Looking Ahead
Both playoff games kick off at 7 p.m., giving families and community members ample time to gather at the stadiums and cheer on their local teams. The outcomes will determine the next round opponents: a win for Hoover leads to a showdown with Thompson, while a Spain Park victory sets up a battle with Prattville. The excitement of Friday night football continues to bring the community together, celebrating the talent and dedication of Alabama’s high school athletes.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
