Three second half field goals lifts Hoover past Central-Phenix City
Montgomery, AL – The Hoover Bucs (1-0) had to battle mother nature and the Central-Phenix City Red Devils (0-1) to bring home a opening week victory.
Many had the Bucs on upset alert against the Devils, who reached the AHSAA 7A semi-finals in 2015. Early on, it looked like an upset could be brewing as senior running back Jaxton Carson scored from inside the Hoover 10. Alvin Renteria’s point after gave the Devils a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter.
That would be the last time the Red Devils crossed the goal line.
Hoover got on the board on a Joseph Timpa run from inside the 5, Barrett Pickering’s first of five kicks through the uprights tied the game at seven apiece.
Later in the second, Hoover quarterback Garrett Farquhar put the ball over the goal line, again from inside the five, giving the Bucs a 14-7 lead going into the break.
Early in the third, lighting red flagged the contest for just under an hour. After the delay, Barrett Pickering’s leg took over.
Pickering hit on kicks of 33, 37 and 29 yards closing out the scoring in the Friday session of the AHSAA Champions Challenge.
Garrett Farquhar finished the night with 166 total yards, 153 through the air (and the rain) completing 8 of 25 with 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
Shederick Jackson lead all receivers with 3 receptions for a total of 75 yards.
Running back Vonte Brackett racked up 37 yards on the ground on 15 attempts.
Hoover travels to the Dallas, TX metro-plex this Friday to take on Texas prep powerhouse Allen High School in the Tom Landry Classic. Hoover will be the first team from outside the state of Texas to participate in the annual event.
Central plays host to the 5A Fairfield Tigers (0-0) at Garrett-Harrison Stadium.
| Stat | Hoover | Central |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Downs | 13 | 18 |
| Total Yards | 214 | 208 |
| Fumbles | 4 | 3 |
| Fumbles Lost | 1 | 2 |
| Penalties | 9 | 7 |
| Penalty Yards | 86 | 62 |
| Passing Yards | 153 | 51 |
| Passing Attempts | 26 | 27 |
| Compleations | 9 | 6 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 2 |
| Rushing Yards | 61 | 157 |
| Rushing Attempts | 42 | 38 |
