By Blake EllsWhen the volleyball season began, Libby Grace Gann was tasked with a tall order. She was the only senior on a team with a new coach and just one junior to complement her experience.Former coach Haven O’Quinn left Mountain Brook High for Birmingham-Southern College after leading the squad to three straight state championships. Just before the season … [Read more...]
McCammon Accomplishes Goals as Hoover Wins Another Title
By Rubin E. GrantHoover junior running back Larry McCammon set a number of personal goals before the start of the 2017 high school football season.• He wanted to run for 1,000 yards. Check. He ran for 1,498 yards on 185 carries.• He wanted to score at least 20 touchdowns. Check. He scored 21.• He wanted to win another state championship. Triple check. The Bucs … [Read more...]
Old Tricks: Briarwood’s Yancey Said Smart Players Made a Good Year Better
By Blake Ells Fred Yancey has been coaching football for almost 50 years; his first team was in 1969, right after college. Being named Over the Mountain Journal Coach of the Year is certainly not the first time the Briarwood Christian legend has been recognized for his leadership, but the accolades never get old. “It means that we’ve had a great season,” said Yancey. “As … [Read more...]
Cruise Control: Hoover Crushes Thompson to Earn 7A Championship Berth
By Blake EllsHoover cruised in its rematch with Thompson, earning a spot in the 7A state championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Dec. 6. Larry McCammon rolled up 196 yards on 32 carries and had three touchdowns as the Bucs avenged their October loss when it counted most with a 31-12 victory. “You knew it was out there,” Hoover head coach Josh Niblett said of his … [Read more...]
Sliding Into Place: Savannah Gibbs Fit Right In at State-Bound Hoover Volleyball Team
By Rubin E. GrantUsually, transferring from one high school to another in a different state before your senior year could entail a considerable adjustment.But not for Savannah Gibbs. She felt at home right away after she transferred from Panama City, Florida, to Hoover High School this summer. Her teammates on the Hoover Bucs’ volleyball team made the transition … [Read more...]