Postgame Recap | Hoover trounces Meridian (MS) 42-7

Hoover, AL – For the second time in 2017 the defending 7A state champion Hoover Bucs (1-1) have faced a potent out-of-state squad, in this match up the Bucs defended their home state with decisive a 42-7 victory over the visiting Meridian, Mississippi Wildcats (0-2). 

Hoover jumped on top midway through the first quarter as senior Sam Samford scored his first career touchdown by picking off a Wildcat pass and returning it 34 yards into the endzone.  

Meridian answered back with just under four minutes remaining in the first on a Mosley Rodriquez TD scamper from inside the five evening the score a seven apiece.  

What looked to be a tight matchup in the first took a huge Buccaneer turn as the Hoover Met scoreboard clicked over to the second quarter with Vonte Brackett breaking the 7-7 stalemate diving in for a score four seconds into the second quarter.  

Bracket became the first of five Bucs to rush for touchdowns the games final three quarters.  

Junior running back Jacquez Allen added the Bucs next score, rushing in from 7 yards out midway through the second.  Quarterback Jalen Parker capped the first half scoring, calling his own number and scampering in from the 24 yard line giving the home team a 28-7 advantage going into the break.  

The most impressive sequence of the night for the Buccaneer defense came midway through the third as the Wildcats were driving, first and goal inside the Hoover 1 yard line.   After holding Meridian inches from the goal line for three consecutive plays, senior cornerback Chase Brown picked off a Wildcat pass ending the drive and handing the ball back to the Hoover offense.  

Later in the third quarter junior Larry McCammon extended the Bucs lead to 35-7 on a run from just inside the Wildcat 30 yard line.   Sophomore quarterback Robby Ashford became the second Bucs signal caller to cross the goal line, on the ground, capping the game at 42-7 with 3:14 remaining in the fourth. 

Senior placekicker Barret Pickering was a perfect 6 for 6 on PAT’s and pinned the Wildcats offense deep, sailing 7 of 7 kickoffs trough the endzone.  

The second ranked Bucs will begin 7A region 3 play against rival Mountain Brook (2-0) Friday night at the Hoover Met. 

BY THE NUMBERS

Stat	Hoover	Meridian
1st Downs	18	15
Total Yards	354	192
Penaltys	11	14
Penalty Yards	112	72
Fumbles	3	2
Fumbles Lost	2	0
Passing Yards	78	74
Passing Attempts	19	29
Compleations	9	12
Interceptions	2	3
Rushing Attempts	39	37
Rushing Yards	276	118