Hoover 21, Granite Hills 13

The Division Three showdown between the Granite Hills Eagles and the Hoover Cardinals was a defensive battle to say the least. Granite Hills was ranked fifth as they took on the first place Cardinals in Hoover.

The Eagles’ offense was grooving in their opening series, however a 20 yard sack that led to an INT on the next play cost Granite Hills some early points. Following the turnover, Hoover was unable to capitalize and punted it right back to the Eagles. Granite Hills was able to drive down the field and score off of a 19 yard field goal, putting them up 3-0 by the end of the first quarter.

Hoover was not far behind though, QB Daevon Bazzo connected with Shaun Jones for a beautiful 50 yard pass which set up a 25 yard TD pass to Whitfield on the very next play. Hoover went up 7-3.

On the Eagles’ next series, Hoover’s Jaquille Bradford stripped the ball on the reverse play and Lewis Butler recovered the fumble and returned it 20 yards to set up the 11 yard TD pass from Bazzo to Shaun Jones. Still in the second quarter, Granite Hills’ QB Seth Collins was scrambling for a first down when Vivaldo Castillo caused another fumble for the defense and Da’quan Walker scooped and scored for a 39 yard TD. Going into halftime, the Cardinals were up 21-3.

In the second half of the game, the fog began to roll in so thick to the point that the opposite side of the field was unseen. In the fourth quarter, Granite Hills’ defense recovered a Hoover fumble and ran it back for a score, cutting the score to 21-13 Cardinals leading.

However, on a last minute effort by the Eagles, Hoover’s defense was too dominant and stopped Granite Hills on a goal line stand to seal their win. Cardinals went on the win the game 21-13.

Hoover will be facing the Christian Patriots next week in the Division 3 Championship. This is the first time ever that the Cardinals will be going to the CIF championship in school history.