Hoover 34-Vestavia 23

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By Jon Ford

Birmingham is home of one of the biggest rivalry in central Alabama. If you don't believe in the hype, believe it. These two teams mean business and this year’s game brewed up to be a good one.

The score in the first quarter was knotted up at zero. Neither team had anything going, and it was clear that it was going to be a game of field possession. It wasn't until late in the first quarter the Bucs reached the end zone to have the first touchdown of the game, but they didn't stop with that one. Caleb Sims of Hoover took a screen pass to end zone with some nifty moves, cutting back and forth across the field to make it 14-0 Bucs.

The one score for the Rebels was a 35-yard field goal. The crowd was hoping it would spark a little momentum, but Sims had something else in mind, scampering for his second touchdown of the night to make the score 20-3 at the half.

The Rebels took the field in the second half with hopes of getting something going, but after a few first downs, a costly fumble led to another Bucs touchdown.

With 7:21 in the game the Rebels went to the air to make it 27-16. The Rebels offensive decided to come alive late in the game with two quick touchdowns. Coach Anderson did what he does best and rallied the team to make it a team effort. The Rebels refused to go down quietly, making a late fourth quarter surge. But the damage was already done, and Hoover came out on top 34-23. Sims was named the Great American Rivalry MVP.