Tuscaloosa County Gets Mauled by Hoover at Home
Friday night, the Hoover Buccaneers traveled to Northport, AL to take on the Tuscaloosa County Wildcats. From the start, County High struggled to get their offense going. They punted on their first three possessions before they were able to score. The Wildcats lone touchdown came on a 40 yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Brax Garrison to senior wide receiver and defensive back C.J. McGee, with five minutes and 48 seconds remaining in the half.
The first half went exactly the opposite for the Hoover Bucs. They were able to produce six first half touchdowns, including five touchdowns (four passing and one on the ground) by senior quarterback Bennett Meredith. Meredith, in the just one half of play, completed 16-of-19 passes for nearly 300 yards passing.
"We felt like if we got some matchups that we wanted, and early on we were able to get the matchups we wanted in the throw game, then we would be able to run the ball effectively when we needed to. That's what we wanted to do. Throw when we wanted, not when we have to. Tonight we were able to mix it up in front of the sticks and had the opportunities to make some plays. That's what we wanted so that's what we did," said Hoover head football coach Josh Niblett on the early passing success.
Throughout the entire game, the run game was effective, especially in the first half. On just eight total carries in the first half, Hoover running backs Ahmari Williams and Kamal Amerson combined 67 yards and a touchdown. In the second half with a running clock, Hoover's Jordan Woolen sealed the game by returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown.
As the regular season comes to a close, both teams are heading in opposite directions. The now 9-0 Hoover Buccaneers will face the Thompson Warriors next week, while the Tuscaloosa County High Wildcats will finish its season with games against Spain Park and Northridge.