1 of 24

Oak Mountain's Trey Allen goes up over two Hoover defenders to make a catch that put the Eagles at the 1-yard line. (Reporter photo/Keith McCoy)

Oak Mountain will take on Bessemer City in a spring exhibition game on Saturday, May 18. (FILE)

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Sports Editor

NORTH SHELBY – Hoover running back Larry McCammon and field goal kicker Will Reichard combined to score all of Hoover’s points against the Oak Mountain Eagles in a region road battle on Friday, Sept. 21, at Heardmont Park, and it was more than enough.

McCammon posted five touchdown runs for the No. 5 ranked Buccaneers (3-2, 2-1), who were coming off a 58-26 loss to No. 2 Hewitt-Trussville, while Reichard was 2-for-2 on field goals, including a 54-yarder to close out the first half.

Those two combined to put 48 points on the board for the Bucs leading to a 48-20 victory against the Eagles (1-3, 0-3), who were taking on their third top-5 team in three weeks.

Coming into the game averaging 65 combined points per game, offensive fireworks were expected, and that’s what we got early on, but solely from Hoover on the first few drives.

After receiving the opening kick, Hoover marched down the field thanks to 16-yard pass to Jesse Kelley and a 19-yard pass to speedy Xavier Long, as well as an 11-yard run from quarterback Robby Ashford.

Those two receivers stepping up was key with Auburn commit George Pickens sitting out the entire game despite being dressed.

McCammon capped the drive off with his first touchdown of the night from 10 yards out to put the Bucs on top 7-0.

After an Oak Mountain three-and-out, Hoover went right back to work and it started with two runs for a combined 21 yards from McCammon. That was followed shortly after by 46-yard pass to Long down the left sideline to set the Bucs up with first-and-goal from the 1-yard line.

Two plays later, it was McCammon again, who pounded in his second touchdown in as many drives to start the game.

It didn’t take long for him to pick up his third and for Hoover to take a 21-0 advantage. After another defensive three-and-out, the Bucs picked up another 20-yard pass to Long before several chunk plays led to another easy 3-yard touchdown run for McCammon, his third of the first quarter.

Oak Mountain was already in a must-score situation, and freshman quarterback Evan Smith sensed it and took control.

On his first carry of the game during the ensuing drive, he took the ball 57 yards to finally put the Eagles inside Hoover territory. One play later he found Trey Allen for 22 yards to set Oak Mountain up at the 1-yard line with first and goal.

Running back Luke Percer, quickly got a chance in the wildcat and capped off the quick drive with a touchdown run. After a missed extra point, Oak Mountain trailed 21-6 with 33 seconds left in the first quarter.

Hoover answered with a field goal, but Smith had finally woken the Oak Mountain offense up, and they quickly answered right back.

On the ensuing drive, Percer reeled off a couple of difficult runs before Smith’s speed led him 44 yards inside the Hoover 10-yard line. One play later, he capped off the drive with a 7-yard touchdown run to make the score 24-13 after a successful PAT.

But Oak Mountain’s defense was already gassed, and it showed quickly on Hoover’s next drive as just two plays in, McCammon found a hole and toted the ball 79 yards for a touchdown to put the Bucs on top 31-13.

After Reichard’s 54-yard field goal at the end of the first half, Hoover held a 34-13 advantage at the break.

The start to the second half was a chaotic one that could have seen Hoover put the game out of reach or Oak Mountain get within two touchdowns.

After Oak Mountain fumbled on its own 10-yard line to start the half, it looked like it was going to be the Bucs adding another touchdown.

But instead, the Eagles’ defense stepped up and eventually forced a turnover on downs from the 2-yard line.

Oak Mountain took advantage, and two plays into the ensuing drive, Percer made up for the fumble on the previous play by going 96 yards for a touchdown to make the score 34-20.

That was the last time the Eagles crossed the goal line, while Hoover went on to add a 33-yard touchdown pass to Long on the ensuing drive, followed by a 50-yard touchdown run from McCammon to ice the game at 48-30 in the fourth quarter.

McCammon led Hoover with 206 yards rushing and his five touchdowns, while Ashford finished the game 16-of-24 passing for 250 yards and one touchdown. Long had 170 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Percer led the Eagles on the ground with 141 yards on 17 carries, while Smith had 118 yards on just eight carries.

The Bucs now have a bye week upcoming, while Oak Mountain will take on county foe Pelham in a non-region matchup before looking to take on Tuscaloosa County on Oct. 12.

The Eagles still have a shot at making the playoffs with their toughest games behind them, and competing in a chaotic region like this makes anything possible.

See all photos from the game here.

More 280 Reporter

Vincent keeps rolling with wins over Central-Coosa, Shelby County

Vincent follows up area opener win with victory over Shelby County

Chelsea goes 1-1 at Fran Braasch Invite with win over Parker after losing to Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa

Oak Mountain rebounds from first loss with win over Gardendale