HOOVER, Alabama -- The Hoover Bucs turned in another dominant performance as they defeated Hewitt-Trussville 28-11 in the AHSAA 7A second-round playoff game Friday night at the Hoover Met. The Bucs first-team defense only gave up a field goal in three-plus quarters, while the offense rolled in the first half for the playoff win.
Hoover (11-1) took a 21-3 halftime lead, while the first-team defense only gave up one drive for three points. "Our goal is not to let them score each week," said Bucs defensive lineman Jordan Norman. "We have been locked in, and it starts on Sunday each week working out, and it carries out throughout the week so we can be successful on Friday nights. We push the offense to improve each week as we battle each other. I want to finish this off and get a ring."
Wide receiver Jordan Woolen broke off a long reception to set up the Bucs first score of the game. With 6:28 left in the first quarter, freshman quarterback Noah Schuback hit Jack Lamey on a 3-yard touchdown pass, and the Bucs took a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter. "We have a really good freshman quarterback that has played like a senior today," said Bucs offensive lineman Ethan Hubbard. "Noah led our offense to three touchdowns in the first half, and we really needed that. I think we are the best offensive line in the state because of our physicality. We have proved it every single week. We go against the best defensive line each week, which prepares us on Friday nights."
On the Huskies next drive, Peyton Floyd found Rickey Gibson on a long reception on a long third down pass play, and it set up a 4th and two inside the Huskies side of the field. The Huskies fourth down play came up inches short, and the Bucs took over and drove for a touchdown. On first down, Schuback found Fred Dunson on a short pass, and he turned it into a big play deep down in the Huskies territory. With 10:19 left in the second quarter, Ahamari Williams scored on a 1-yard touchdown run, and the Bucs led 14-0.
The Bucs defense turned up the turnover machine starting in the second quarter as safety Jay Avery picked off a Huskies pass, and the offense took advantage of the turnover. With 6:27 left in the second quarter, Schuback found Woolen deep down the left side of the field for a 36-yard touchdown. With the score, Hoover led 21-0. The Huskies didn't give up, though, as they reeled off a few good runs as Jaqson Melton's long run set up a Hewitt-Trussville score. With only :59 seconds left in the half, Riley Rigg kicked a 26-yard field goal but still trailed 21-3 going into halftime.
Again the defense made a big play, and defensive back Dj Estes picked off a Huskies pass and raced 35-yards for a Bucs score. With the touchdown, Hoover led 28-3 with 8:39 left in the third quarter. "I saw that they were three by one, and on the backside, his foot was wide, so he had no choice but to come back, so I kind of baited him," said Bucs DB Estes. "I caught it, only saw green ahead of me, and took it to the crib. On our defense, I feel like it starts at practice, and we have been locked in taking it one day at a time. We keep stacking our good efforts and games while playing with so much tenacity with great effort."
Avery and safety Keith Christein picked off passes in the second half as the Hoover defense played another dominant game. "I'm proud of our guys tonight as I think this is the best we have played at home," said Bucs head coach Wade Waldrop. "Good win, and we get to play another week. Noah has been better each week. We hit some big throws down the field, and we made the plays. I thought we were focused. Our defense has played solid all year long."
With 8:41 left in the fourth quarter, Hoover snapped the ball over Peyton Argent on a punt play, and the Huskies scored a safety. With time expiring at the end of the game, Hewitt-Trussville scored on a deflected pass in the end zone for their only touchdown against the Bucs second-team defense.
Next for Hoover, they will battle Thompson in the semifinal game Friday night at the Hoover Met. Earlier in the season, Hoover defeated Thompson 9-0 in their last regular season game.
