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The Oak Mountain Eagles put together a strong effort against Hoover on Friday, Oct. 4, but ultimately couldn’t finish drives as they looked for their first win in school history over the Bucs. (For the Reporter/Barry Clemmons)

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Publisher

HOOVER – The Oak Mountain Eagles ran 25 more plays than the Hoover Buccaneers on Friday, Oct. 4 in a region showdown, but they couldn’t finish enough drives in a difficult 28-10 loss.

The Eagles had their chances throughout, forcing three punts and two interceptions on half of Hoover’s 10 drives in the game, but points were at a premium.

Despite struggles against of their own offensively, the Bucs capitalized on Oak Mountain not finding a rhythm. Hoover scored one touchdown in every quarter in a consistent effort and it started early in the opening quarter.

After an interception on the opening drive, the defense forced a quick three-and-out, giving it right back to Hoover’s offense all within the first three minutes of the game.

On the second drive, hoover went 62 yards in six plays and scored on a short touchdown run from quarterback Mac Beason to make it a quick 7-0 advantage.

Needing answers, Oak Mountain’s four drives ended with a turnover on downs and three consecutive punts.

Hoover capitalized with a second touchdown midway through the second quarter when Reggie Jackson toted in a 7-yard touchdown to make it 14-0.

Oak Mountain finally capped off a scoring drive with a nine-play drive in the two-minute drill that put the Eagles down inside the 15-yard line in the final 20 seconds. Ultimately, the settled for a 27-yard field goal from Josh Renfro to trim the deficit to 14-3 at the break.

The Eagles then started the second half with the ball, hoping to make it a four-point game, but a three-and-out quickly led to a punt.

Yet again, the defense tried to create a spark with an interception five plays into the ensuing Hoover drive.

Oak Mountain put together an 11-play drive that went 50 yards, but they again couldn’t finish it, turning it over on downs after driving 50 yards.

That stalled the comeback effort throughout the second half, leading to Hoover pulling away.

The Bucs responded with a quick five-play, 70-yard drive that was capped off by a 25-yard touchdown pass from Beason to Hunter Purdue to make it 21-3 late in the third.

Now in desperate need of a touchdown, the Eagles went 85 yards in 11 plays, but a fumble cost them another drive with no points.

Hoover then put the dagger score on the board, throwing a 95-yard touchdown pass from Beason to Purdue once again that made it 28-3.

Oak Mountain finally converted on a long drive with a short touchdown run from Marty Myricks late in the fourth quarter to bring the score to 28-10, but it was too little too late at that point as the Bucs closed out the win.

Oak Mountain’s offense put up 345 yards, which only trailed Hoover by 37 yards. Will O’Dell finished with 153 rushing yards on 23 carries, while he added 130 yards passing on 14-of-32 passing. Zach Fitzgerald finished with six receptions for 68 yards to lead the receivers, while Myricks totaled 65 yards and the lone touchdown on 21 carries.

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