Bucs to participate in Tom Landry Classic

Two teams with high expectations will take part in the Tom Landry Classic in the second week of high school football season.

Allen High School of Texas and Hoover High School are set to face off on Friday, August 26, at Allen’s Eagle Stadium.

“To have an opportunity to go out to Texas and play them will be great,” said Hoover head coach Josh Niblett.

This is the 17th year the Tom Landry Classic has been played, and Hoover is the first team outside of the state of Texas to participate.

“I always said I would never do that, but Hoover is one of those few schools that’s kind of the exception,” said Kris Cumnock, executive director of the Tom Landry Classic.

Niblett does not take that fact for granted.

“That’s special to me, to know that they felt like we were a special program. But to be able to represent the state of Alabama, to represent our community, and to represent our school, we’re excited about that,” he said.

Eagle Stadium is known for its seating capacity, as it holds 19,000 people and is used exclusively by Allen High School. Even at that number, last year’s game featuring Allen and Denton Guyer sold out.

Cumnock encourages fans to make the trek and “make a weekend of it.” He mentioned shopping and dining options as great assets to the surrounding areas.

The Tom Landry Classic is a two-game event, with Hoover and Allen playing on Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT, and Lovejoy and Argyle playing Saturday night.

The event kicks off the high school season in the state of Texas, but will be the second game for Hoover.

Both teams have similar track records, each winning three consecutive state championships in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Allen had a long winning streak snapped in the playoffs last year, while Hoover lost to Spain Park in the semifinals.

Tickets are available in the Hoover High School athletic office for $10. Fans and students are encouraged to buy them prior to arriving at the stadium.