10 • Thursday, August 23, 2018
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Photo courtesy TCI Sports/Barry Stephenson
HOOVER FOOTBALL
Members of the 2018 Hoover High School varsity football team include: George Pickens, Kaulin Jackson, Will Reichard, Larry McCammon, Jabari Moore, Nick Curtis, Zach Elam, Omari Brown, Myles Spurling, MJ Rogers, Javion Underwood, Cooper Tullo, Ben Trulove, Jack Mayberry, Seth Parker, Connor Dubble, Robby Ashford, Xavier Long, Levi McCree, Josh Lundy, Matthew Palmer, Brian Porter, Codey Martin, Kory Chapman, Ladarius McCammon, Dylan Pauly, Simeon Palmore, Lloyd Hill Jr., Isaac Lovoy, Anthony Hayes, Messiah Tolen, Kobe Williams, Blaine Crook, Jalen Jones, Jesse Kelley, Kam Whitaker, Joseph Davis, Marcus Williams, Cedric Smith, Chris Mack, Tyler Jones, Nicholas Young, Constantine Hontzas, Vinze Moore, KeVunn McConnico, Xzaviah Horton, Josh Smith, Ben Hendrix, Ryan Caldbeck, Greg Russell, Brooks Brymer, Kam Robinson, Drew Tountasakis, Aarren Smith, Sam Suswam, Cameron Johnson, Jaylen Pippen, Jeppa Kilgore, Kristopher Shelley, Carter Short, Xavier Williams, Reed Watson, Nick Paradise, Brandon Goodwin, Harrison Ozgun, David Bodden, Tyler Chamblin, Ellis Adams, Luke Godwin, Garret Lepkowksi, Ryan Houston, Trey Reynolds, Michael Pettway, Jamari Buye, Jaeden Sankey, Colby Davis, Jonathan Martin, Ray Hampton, Jake Tucker, Kole Allen, Cameron Scott, Carlos Castelleja, Bryce Carnes, Stephen Robinson, Gabriel Pipkin and Alajujuan Sparks.
‘IT’S ALL ABOUT COMPETING’ Bucs Staying on the Prowl for Another State Championship
By Rubin E. Grant
Ashford’s primary backup. “He had to take all the reps in the spring and summer,” Niblett said. “He did an unbelievable job learning what we’re doing.”
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
After winning two consecutive Class 7A football championships and five state titles in the past six years, the Hoover Bucs could be excused for allowing complacency to set in. Except head coach Josh Niblett is not about to let that happen. “The key for us is to continue to be the hunter and not the hunted,” Niblett said. “It’s all about competing.” The competition begins on the practice field. “It’s like a war every day in practice,” Niblett said. “Some days our offense makes our defense look bad and some days our defense makes our offense look bad. We’re trying to learn how to compete because, as someone once said, it’s harder to stay on top than getting on top.” If the Bucs are going to stay on top, they will have to do it with a new starting quarterback and a rebuilt offensive line. Quarterback Jalen Parker, who led the Bucs to the 2017 title, has graduated and so have four of the starting offensive linemen who protected him. Ultra-talented Robby Ashford, a 6-foot-4inch, 210-pound junior, is expected to take over at quarterback. He already has SEC offers from Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State and Missouri, although he has yet to start a varsity game. “He’s a dynamic athlete,” Niblett said.
“He’s got a great arm and can make all the throws, and he also runs well. We’re excited about what he brings to the table.” Sophomore Josh Lundy will serve as
Hoover key players with head coach Josh Niblett front from left: Ellis Addams, Ryan Houston and Garrett Lepkowski. Back, Larry McCammon and George Pickens.
Hoover High
AT A GLANCE
Head Coach: Josh Niblett 2017 record: 11-3 (Class 7A state champions) Region: Class 7A Region 3 Hewitt-Trussville, Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain, Spain Park, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County. Vestavia Hills. Stadium: Buccaneer Stadium (5,000) Hoover Metropolitan Stadium (9,000)
Junior Jack Mayberry is another backup quarterback. At running back, 5-foot-10-inch, 198-pound senior Larry McCammon returns. He rushed for 1,498 yards and 21 touchdowns last year. “He’s probably the best running back I’ve ever coached,” Niblett said. Senior Kaulin Jackson, junior Anthony Hayes and sophomore Dylan Pauly will also get touches in the backfield. Niblett said Pauly “has a chance to be really good.” At tight end, senior Kole Allen is back from last year along with senior Brooks Brymer. Fullback Jesse Kelly also returns. Senior George Pickens, an Auburn commit, will be the Bucs’ go-to receiver. “He’s a dynamic player who can do things that other