City Game of the Week: Hoover 41, Patrick Henry 0

The Hoover Cardinals hadn’t won a league title since the turn of the century.

But in a new era led by Jerry Ralph’s vision and a defense that won’t quit, Hoover is now the City League champion after a dominating 41-0 victory at Breitbard Stadium.

“This is the first league championship in 15 years,” Hoover running back and cornerback George Jones said. “It’s a great honor to be league champions with these boys right here. We put in work every day and it shows on Friday, right on that scoreboard. It shows.”

Hoover took charge in typical Hoover style – with a defensive effort almost unparalleled in San Diego county. Led by a defensive line featuring studs Austin Brown and Jaquille Bradford, the Cardinals defense posted their fourth shutout of the season.

Patrick Henry attempted new wrinkles in their offensive attack to attempt to confuse the Cardinals plans. The Patriots utilized a double wing in addition to their shotgun attack, but neither worked.

That left Hoover’s offense to light up the scoreboard, and their main bird for that was running back George Jones. After a Hoover drive that ended in a Bradford touchdown – and no, that’s not a misprint – Jones went on a tear, carrying it five times for 50 yards and the first of his two touchdowns. In the second half, Jones would have the play of the game on a 60 yard tear up the middle to remove all doubt.

“It all goes to the offensive line,” Jones said. “They keep pushing and pushing for it, and I run right behind them and cut right back, and I’m in the open field. Our boys just block for me.”

With the league wrapped, the focus turns to earning a first round bye in the Division 3 playoffs.

“We’re all a family, and it grows day by day,” Jones said.

Hoover will hold homecoming festivities next week against Lincoln, while Patrick Henry will travel to San Diego.