All eyes where on Hoover Friday night for the biggest game of the year with two-time defending state champ Thompson squaring-off with 13-time state champ Hoover in a battle of unbeatens. In addition to being ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the state, Thompson entered the game ranked No. 3 in the High School Football America 100 national rankings, powered by NFL Play Football. Hoover came into the game ranked No. 11 in the nation.
Related: HSFA 100
At the half, it looked like Thompson’s 27-game win streak was going to be extended to 28. The Warriors had a 21-0 lead at the break.
Late in the game and trailing 21-17, Bennett Meredith led the Bucs on a game-winning 82 yard drive. It ended with Meredith’s 8-yard touchdown pass to Jabari Gaines with :14 seconds to play in the game.
Meredith completed 22-of-37 passes for 279 yards with three touchdowns.
The win gives the Bucs the their first regional title since 2018.
Just a step on the way to the mission. Region champs! #hooverstruck #fam1ly #ATM pic.twitter.com/TVAjJArWD1
— Hoover Bucs Football (@BucsFootball) October 23, 2021
