Two historic titans of Georgia high school football set up to clash once again this fall with an introduction into a new era for the Hoover Buccaneers and the Vestavia Hills Rebels. In one of the country’s largest long-time rivalries, dating back to 1972, this game has had huge implications for state championships. This being seen by these the winner of the regular season game going on to be region champions every year except 2013 and 2015 during a stretch between 1990 and 2015. This rivalry takes on a new twist this year as both schools enter new eras with new coaches at the helm. Coach Wade Waldrop takes over as head football coach for Hoover and Coach Robert Evans takes over as head football coach for Vestavia Hills, both now set to face off against one another and stamp their own mark in history. The Buccaneers have dominated the series since the turn of the century and look to record a sixth straight win with the Rebels’ last victory coming in 2015. Will Hoover and last year’s MVP, Ahmari Williams, be able to claim another victory, or will a new face emerge to help Vestavia Hills get back to winning ways?

MVP

Bradley Shaw
Hoover

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Grant Bonner

Hoover

Grant is a 3-year letterman for the Hoover Football team. Grant also serves as a Senior Class Officer and was also a Junior Class Officer. Grant is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha theta (Math Honor Society), Spanish Honor Society, and he serves as a peer helper at Hoover High School.
Jack McMurray

Vestavia Hills

Jack is a 3-year letterman on the Varsity Football and Wrestling teams. He is active in RISE, Vestavia Hills High School Youth Leadership, Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), Help the Hills, German Club, Rho Kappa, and the National Honor Society.

GAME SUMMARY

It was #weknowTHURSDAYnights tonight in Hoover, Alabama. Weather threats shifted this highly anticipated rivalry to Thursday night this week, but that didn’t stop the Buccaneers. An early touchdown in the 1st quarter puts the Vestavia Hills Rebels on the board. A big interception by the Bucs in the opening of the 2nd quarter gives Hoover an opportunity to tie up the game and they answer accordingly, rounding out the first half 7-7. After a drive changing pick early in the 3rd quarter, the Rebels capitalize on the next four plays running through the red zone for a touchdown to take the lead 14-7. With 7:39 left in the 4th quarter, Hoover nabs a conversion and runs for a TD making it a tied game at 14. In an intense final few minutes of the game, Hoover made an impressive drive to put another 6 on the board taking a crucial lead. Continuing their winning streak that stretches back to 2015, the Bucs brought this year’s Rivalry trophy home 20-14.