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Sending a message about the playoff future wasn’t the focus for the Hoover High football team on Thursday night. But, send a message the Bucs did by manhandling previously unbeaten North Marion (Fla.) in the 38-14 Hoover victory that was shown live nationally on ESPN2.
And, for the second consecutive week, that message included 31 first half points and a comfortable lead heading into the final 24 minutes. Last week, it came against a Hewitt-Trussville team that lost its star quarterback in the second quarter. This time, it came against a Florida powerhouse that was coming off four consecutive shutout victories and had punted just three times in the first eight games.
On Thursday, though, the Colts (8-1 overall) were no match for a Hoover team looking to secure a home game in the first round of the Alabama Class 7A playoffs. Take away the opening series for each team and Hoover dominated the first 24 minutes, on the way to a 31-7 halftime.
Those opening series consisted of three offensive plays and a punt for the Bucs (8-2 overall) and a two-play, 72-yard possession by North Marion that featured a 66-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Caleb Seiler to Florida commitment Freddie Swain. The Colts only managed to gain 25 yards on 21 additional plays in the first half.
Hoover, on the other hand, got on a roll after the first possession. The Bucs missed a field goal on its next possession but the next five drives ended with Hoover points. Four possessions ended with short rushing touchdowns – two by quarterback Christopher Vacarella and one each by running backs CJ Sturdivant and Vonte Brackett – and Barret Pickering chipped in with a 27-yard field goal. One of the touchdowns was set up by an interception by defensive end Tyler Byrd and three of the scoring drives began on the North Marion side of the field.
“We got a saying of “Start fast, play hard and finish strong,” said Hoover outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon, who had seven tackles and two of Hoover’s 11 tackles for loss. "That’s what we’ve really been doing. If we just keep being disciplined and staying with what we have to do, I guess everything will keep working out how it’s supposed to work out.”
A big part of Hoover’s success on Thursday night had to do with winning the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The Bucs rushed for 166 yards on 39 carries, including the team’s lone second half touchdown on an 18-yard run by Galien Richardson.
“I thought we played physical up front tonight,” said Hoover head coach Josh Niblett. “People are bringing blitz and they’re playing man and doing different things. We’re trying to find some creases. Our guys did a good job of that, our line did a good job of blocking and our receivers made plays when we gave them opportunities.”
North Marion managed 134 yards on 44 carries but most of that came after the outcome was decided. Hoover linebacker Kholbe Coleman had an outstanding game with eight tackles, including three for loss, a sack and forced fumble.
Afterward, Niblett was told that his team is slated to play host to Buckhorn in next week’s first round playoff game. But he quickly said that the playoff opponent wasn’t on his team’s mind right now.
“We’re at the point right now where we’re just worried about us. We’re worried about what we’re doing, how we’re preparing, how we’re executed, how we’re trying to live our lives, about how we’re trying to play the game and honor the game. We can’t worry about all that other stuff. I’ll go to the playoff meet and find out who we play. We’ll get ready (and) prepare.”
However, he added it’s a different feel now that the regular season is over for the Bucs.
“Now the real season starts,” Niblett said. “You can tell, our kids, they smell a little something different in the air. Around here, you’re expected to win championships. If we’re going to win one, we’ve got to make sure we’re on a roll from here on out.”
