Barry Stephenson
In just under two months, Alabama High School Football will be back in full swing. The grass will have that distinct football smell to it; the humidity will taper off little by little; band tunes will carry through warm breezes from practice fields to neighborhoods; guards will pull; safeties will blitz; and state championships will dangle above the heads of thousands of high school dreamers. Hoover residents are abnormally fortunate to be in such close proximity to—not one, but two—incredibly talented high school football juggernauts.
The Hoover Buccaneers are coming off a 2024 season that resulted in a semi-finals round exit from the 7A State Playoffs. During the regular season, the Bucs had losses to Spain Park and Parker, the eventual 6A State Champions, by a combined total of six points. In the postseason, Hoover handled Fairhope in the first round. They then hosted Opelika, emerging victorious in a three-overtime thriller. The following week, Central Phenix City put an end to Hoover’s six-game win streak.
Coach Chip English, who served as interim head coach for all of the 2024 season, has now been named the official head coach of the Buccaneers. English is looking to build on Hoover’s historical success as they open up with IMG Academy at the Met on August 22. IMG is projected to begin the season nationally ranked in the top 10.
Barry Stephenson
Meanwhile, the Spain Park Jaguars aim to prove that their 2024 run was no fluke. Prior to last season, Spain Park was reclassified to 6A, and the Jags answered by boasting an undefeated season with only two games that were won by less than 10 points. They entered the postseason on a high, defeating McGill-Toolen and Russell County by multiple possessions before facing Saraland in the third round. Spain Park was defeated that night, and Saraland faced Parker in the state championship.
Jaguars’ coach Tim Vakakes came over from Jackson-Olin High School to start the 2022 season. Before he came on board, Spain Park had not had a winning season since 2016. Vakakes has led his Jaguars to two straight winning seasons, including last year’s undefeated bid. Spain Park opens up with Sparkman on the road on August 22.
Barry Stephenson
Hoover and Spain Park meet every year, most recently marked by Spain Park’s two-point victory last season. The two teams match up in just the second game this season on August 29 at Spain Park. There could be no better way to spend a night in Hoover than to witness these cross-town rivals vie for a year’s worth of bragging rights. Bring the young kids. A swarm of fellow youngsters will keep them busy with a game of their own. See everyone you know and catch up on your old, personal football stories. Get a bite at the concession stand, and tell your children, “No, you can’t get candy,” for the hundredth time.
Enjoy a night that those high schoolers on the field will never forget.