Hoover High School’s football season concluded on Friday night with a 42‑14 defeat to Thompson in the Class 6A second‑round playoff at Warrior Stadium in Alabaster. The loss ended the Bucs’ run and sent Thompson onward in the tournament.
Key moments
Both teams opened the game trading drives. Thompson struck first late in the first quarter when quarterback Urijah Casey capped a 90‑yard, seven‑play drive with a 2‑yard touchdown run, taking a 7‑0 lead with 1:10 left in the quarter.
Hoover answered in the second quarter. After a series of penalties extended the Bucs’ drive, senior running back Jordan Williams broke through for a short touchdown run, tying the game at 7‑7.
Thompson responded quickly, adding another score before halftime to take a 14‑7 advantage. The second half belonged to the Warriors, who built a commanding lead through a balanced attack of runs and passes.
Individual performances
Despite the loss, Hoover’s offense showed flashes of brilliance. Junior running back Paxton Weatherly rushed for 126 yards on 11 carries, highlighted by an electrifying 80‑yard touchdown run that momentarily sparked hope among the Bucs’ faithful. Weatherly’s performance was one of the few bright spots for Hoover.
Quarterback Kaleb Freeman contributed both on the ground and through the air, running with the ball on several plays and completing a few key passes, though the Bucs were unable to sustain drives against Thompson’s defense.
Defensive back Christian August made a notable play by breaking up a pass early in the game, and defensive lineman Jovon Pulliam applied pressure on the Thompson quarterback throughout the contest.
Coaching and fan support
Head coach Chip English was seen urging officials for clarification on a few calls late in the game, reflecting the competitive intensity of the playoff atmosphere. The Hoover student section and cheerleaders remained vocal, cheering each play and supporting the team despite the eventual outcome.
The marching band provided a spirited soundtrack, performing multiple times before, during, and after the game, underscoring the community’s deep involvement in high‑school athletics.
Looking ahead
While the season ends on a disappointing note, the Bucs can take pride in the effort shown by their seniors and underclassmen alike. Coach English emphasized that the experience gained in the playoffs will serve the younger players well as they prepare for the next season.
Thompson advances to the next round of the Class 6A playoffs, while Hoover will regroup and begin preparations for the upcoming spring practices, hoping to return stronger next year.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
