By Rubin E. Grant
By Hoover football standards in the 21st century, it seems like an eternity since the Buccaneers won a state championship.
In actuality, it’s only been since 2017, when the Bucs last captured the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 7A title.
But Hoover didn’t advance to the championship game the past two seasons, the first time in 20 years the Bucs have gone consecutive seasons without playing for a crown.
They hope to put an end to the minidrought in 2020.
“Our kids, staff, school and community understand there’s no goal but to win a state championship,” Hoover head coach Josh Niblett said. That’s what we’re focused on. That’s what we’re always focused on.”
The Bucs return 12 starters, five on defense and seven on offense, from the 2019 team that went 10-3, but they lost to Thompson in the Class 7A semifinals for the second consecutive year.
Hoover will have to deal with the defending champion Warriors again this season while competing in rugged Class 7A, Region 3.
Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the Bucs.
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Senior Josh Lundy will take over as the Bucs’ starting quarterback after starting several games last season while Robby Ashford was injured. Junior Evan Reeder, who started a couple of games in 2019, will be the backup.
“Josh has a little more experience and understands the offense better,” Niblett said. “We’re excited about the progress of both guys. They’re a big key to what we do offensively.”
Sophomore Brewer Smith is waiting in the wings.
Running Backs
Senior Dylan Pauley, a Vanderbilt University commitment, will be the Bucs’ primary running back.
“He’s been playing for us since he was (a) sophomore,” Niblett said. “He’s a big, explosive back.”
Sophomore Ahamari Williams will get his share of carries after gaining experience toward the end of last season.
“He’s a very explosive back,” Niblett said. “He’s really compact and he’s a power runner, but he can pick ‘em up and put ‘em down, too.”
Senior Brian Porter moved over from defense to provide some depth.
Receivers/Tight Ends
Senior Malik Thomas is a “match-up nightmare,” according to Niblett.
“He’s a special receiver,” Niblett said. “He’s big, strong and he can run.”
Joseph Buffett, a senior speedster, returns as the other starting outside receiver. Sophomore K.J. Law and junior Cai Wayowa will contribute.
R.J. Hamilton, a sophomore with dynamic ability, will be the top inside receiver. Also in the mix are senior Isaac Lovoy and juniors Cotton Peters and Dylan Hurst.
When the Bucs employ a tight end or fullback, senior Will Whisenhunt, junior Jabari Gaines, senior Dawson Rye, senior Keyvon Lavender or freshman Sky Niblett, the coach’s son, will be on the field.
Offensive Line
The Bucs have three senior starters returning on the offensive line, center Nick Paradise, left tackle Adam Lepkowski and left guard Christian Ledbetter.
Jordan Washington, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound junior, will start at right guard.
“He has a chance to be powerful,” Niblett said.
Senior Brandon Baker will start at right tackle.
“We’ve got five solid guys, but we’re going to have to develop some depth,” Niblett said.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
The Bucs have plenty of experience up front with senior Amari Sanders and juniors Markus Clark and Corey Warren returning.
“They’re big and explosive and create havoc,” Niblett said.
Seniors Cristian Fields and Noah Rosser, sophomore Andrew Parrish and junior Houston Vessey are all expected to play key roles.
Linebacker
The Bucs have plenty of depth at linebacker with returning starters Josh Smith and Jason Riles on the inside. Sophomore Chaleb Powell, who Niblett said has a chance to be “really good,” junior Ashton Taylor and senior Carter Milliron are reserves on the inside.
Hoover features senior Marcus Williams on the outside. Niblett calls him one of the best in the nation because of his versatility. Other outside backers include seniors Juston Taylor and Shun Sheffield, juniors Josh Carter and Micah Steele, and sophomore D.J. Estes.
Secondary
Senior safety Matthew Palmer returns to head up the secondary. Senior cornerback Jamal Denson also returns and will be joined at corner by senior Massiah Tolen, who moved over from running back. Sophomore Dale Miller is a backup corner. Vying for playing time at safety are senior Bryce Cole, junior Paul Thompson and sophomore Jay Avery.
Kickers
Senior Constantine Hontzas, a model of consistency, returns to handle the place-kicking and punting. Sophomore Peyton Argent will be his backup.
Hoover also has two highly regarded long snappers in seniors Milliron and Carter Short.
