Hoover, Ala. – The high‑school football rivalry between the Hoover Bucs and the Spain Park Jags intensifies in October as both programs continue their Class 6A, Region 3 campaigns. The two city rivals meet twice, each game offering a chance to improve seeding in the amended postseason format that sends the top six of eight teams to the playoffs.
October 2 – Bucs vs. Thompson
Hoover hosts Thompson on Monday night, a series the Bucs lead 26‑9. The most recent meeting ended in a 33‑30 Bucs victory, and four of the last six contests have been decided by single digits, underscoring the competitive nature of the rivalry.
October 8‑9 – Spain Park vs. Tuscaloosa County
Spain Park welcomes Tuscaloosa County on Saturday, a series the Jags lead 9‑3, highlighted by a 35‑14 win in 2023. The following night, Hoover travels to Vestavia Hills, where the Bucs hold a 39‑22 all‑time edge, though Vestavia Hills won the most recent matchup 39‑30.
October 16 – City Rivalry Showdown
The marquee city rivalry takes place on Sunday at Hoover. The Bucs lead the series 21‑4, with the Jags’ three on‑field victories all coming after 2015. Spain Park broke a long losing streak with a 39‑27 thriller in 2024, but Hoover answered with a 21‑10 win last fall.
October 23 – Bucs at Tuscaloosa County; Jags at Hewitt‑Trussville
Hoover heads to Tuscaloosa County, a series the Bucs dominate 22‑3, including a 51‑7 win last season. The Bucs have now won 15 straight meetings dating back to 2012. Meanwhile, Spain Park travels to Hewitt‑Trussville, where the Huskies lead the series 6‑3; the teams have not met since 2023, when Spain Park won 50‑29.
October 29‑30 – Season Closers
Spain Park finishes its regular season at home against James Clemens, a series the Jags lead 3‑1, highlighted by a 28‑7 victory last year. The two programs have also met in the playoffs, with Spain Park winning a 2015 second‑round game and James Clemens taking a 2016 first‑round matchup. Hoover closes its season with an open date on Oct. 30.
Looking Ahead
Hoover finished 6‑5 last season and reached the first round of the Class 7A playoffs under head coach Chip English. Spain Park posted a 9‑3 record and advanced to the second round of the Class 6A playoffs under fifth‑year head coach Tim Vakakes. Both teams will look to improve their seeding as Region 3 finalizes its standings under the new format.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
