Hoover claims region title with win over Mtn. Brook

Hoover, AL – The Hoover Bucs (7-2, 6-1) staked their claim to the 7A region 3 title Friday night with at 31-7 drubbing of the Mountain Brook Spartans (7-2, 5-2) at the Hoover Met.  

The Spartans jumped on the board first on a reverse pass from senior receiver Hamp Green to Pierce Rodrigues putting Mountain Brook up 7-0 midway through the first period.  

The Bucs returned the favor on their next possession as quarterback Robby Ashford connected with Auburn commit George Pickens for a 75 yard scoring strike to even the game a seven apiece.  Early in the second Ashford hooked up with Dylan Pauly from just outside the Spartan 10 yard line to put the Bucs on top 14-7, a lead that the reigning 7A state champs would not relinquish.  Pickens took a Mountain Brook punt 68 yards to the house and Alabama commit Will Reichard split the uprights from 33 yards to give the visitors a 24-7 advantage heading into the locker room.  

Ashford connected with Pickens for a 55 yard score midway through the third to cap the scoring at 31-7.  

The win, coupled with Thompson’s thrilling victory over Hewitt-Trussville secured the 7A region 3 title for the Bucs.  Mountain Brook claimed the regions third playoff spot.  

Hoover signal caller Robby Ashford accounted for 230 yards and three scores through the air, completing 10 of 17 passes while pilling up 80 yards on the ground.   Senior running back Larry McCammon lead the Bucs on the ground with 96 yards on 16 attempts.  Pickens pulled down four receptions for 170 yards and accounted for three scores.  

Hoover wraps up the regular season next Friday night as they play host to national power IMG Academy (FL).   The Bucs will welcome the Bob Jones Patriots to the Hoover Met November 9th in the first round of the AHSAA playoffs.  

Mountain Brook takes on 6A Gardendale next week at Spartan Stadium before traveling to Decatur to take on the Austin Black Bears to open the postseason.