By Lee Davis
At first glance, the score of Hoover’s close-shave verdict over Florence might make a casual observer think that the Bucs are ripe for the taking as they enter the semifinal round of the state Class 6A playoffs.
But appearances are often deceiving.
Hoover’s 22-21 win against the Falcons at Braley Stadium was the Bucs’ 28th consecutive victory, but it was also the first one-point win of the Josh Niblett era. And with a rematch with Vestavia just around the corner, the Bucs’ legion of devoted followers might have reason for concern.
The redeeming quality for Hoover was how the win was achieved. Junior quarterback Jack Hutcheson directed a do-or-die drive in the fourth quarter–which included two successful conversions on fourth down–to send the Bucs to the next round of the post-season.
“To God be the glory,” Niblett said after the intense battle ended. “We were blessed to move on to the next round. This was a great environment to play in tonight.”
The brilliant game-winning drive was climaxed by Hutcheson’s nine-yard touchdown strike to Alex Elam with 6:08 remaining in the game. A two-point conversion attempt failed.
Perhaps the night’s biggest defensive play came when sophomore cornerback P.J. Hall intercepted a Florence pass at the Buccaneer 38-yard line with 5:41 remaining in the game. Hoover’s defense wouldn’t give up a first down until the game’s final play.
The night started as if it would be a routine Hoover victory.
Bradrick Shaw’s four-yard touchdown run gave the Bucs a 6-0 lead with 6:44 remaining in the first period. The extra point attempt missed the mark.
Undaunted, the Falcons put together a nine-play drive to take the lead. A three-yard touchdown run by Kendrick Doss tied the score. Edson Casarrubias’s extra point kick gave Florence a 7-6 lead.
Hoover regained the lead in the second quarter as Hunter Schmith’s 29-yard field goal put the visitors in front 9-7 at halftime.
Florence wasn’t intimidated, as the Falcons took back the lead early in the third quarter. Doss scored his second touchdown of the night, this time from eight yards away, and Florence led 14-9 with 8:51 remaining to play in the period.
Hutcheson and company fired back immediately. The quarterback completed a 52-yard scoring bomb to Justin Johnson. Schmith’s conversion kick gave Hoover a 16-14 lead with 7:15 in the period.
The third quarter fireworks weren’t finished just yet. With less than a minute left in the period, Doss passed 89 yards to William Barnett for a touchdown as Florence went ahead again, 21-16.
Now the stage was set for Hoover’s game-winning, season-saving drive for the ages.
Shaw rushed for 106 yards in 34 carries. Hutcheson completed seven of 12 passes for 101 yards. He completed all four of his attempts in the fourth quarter.
Hoover stands 13-0 with the repeat battle with Vestavia straight ahead. The Bucs won the first game 17-7 on Sept. 27, where a controversial Hoover reception for a touchdown was a key play. But both teams have grown by leaps and bounds in the weeks that have followed. The confidence gained by Hutcheson and the offensive unit by pulling off the late drive against Florence can’t be measured.
“We found a way to win on the road,” Niblett said. “That means a lot.”
Actually, the victory over the Falcons was Hoover’s third tough game in a season filled with one-sided blowouts. In addition to the difficult win over Vestavia, the Bucs also struggled at times in their season opener, a 24-10 win over Colquitt County of Georgia, which is led by former Hoover coach Rush Propst.
But all of that is in the past. The future is Hoover versus Vestavia, with the winner playing for the Class 6A state championship.
And for now, that’s all that matters.
