Prediction: Hoover (Ala.) reaches AHSAA's 7A state semis

The 2025 high school football season will be getting underway in less than six weeks, which means it’s officially preview season. Rivals is breaking down the nation’s top teams from coast-to-coast, and today we make our way to Alabama to look at Hoover. The 13-time state champions are coming off a Class 7A state semifinal appearance under the watch of head coach Chip English and look to make another deep postseason run. Question is, can they cap this season off with the program’s fourteenth state crown?

Player Spotlight: DL Tyson Bacon

The anchor of the Buccaneers’ defensive line is the 6-foot-4, 265-pound Miami commit. Tyson Bacon was the headliner of the Hoover front seven last season as the defensive tackle totaled 75 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss and six sacks. Not many offensive linemen can match up against Bacon, making him a double-team target for most teams. Now heading into his final season of high school football, Bacon looks to lead Hoover’s defense on a state championship run.

Others to watch: WR Jonah Winston, RB CJ Cowley, WR Jeremiah Tabb

Season Prediction: 7-2

Coming off a bounce-back season under an interim head coach in Chip English, the Buccaneers continue to make believers out of everyone throughout Alabama. The Buccaneers did graduate quarterback Mac Beason and now will have to break in a new starting signal caller under center. Regardless, Hoover has a plethora of talent returning and that has transferred in. English’s club loses a games to IMG Academy and Thompson during the season, but make a deep playoff run in Class 7A and it ends in the state semifinals.

Game-By-Game Predictions

Aug. 22 – IMG Academy (Fla.) Ascenders – L
In front what will be sure to be a sold out crowd at ‘The Met,’ the Buccaneers will be playing in an electric atmosphere. Massey thinks that IMG Academy will come away with the win.

Aug. 29 – at Spain Park (Ala.) Jaguars – W
The Buccaneers go on the road after starting 0-1 and come away with a three-possession victory.

Sept. 5 – Hillcrest (Ala.) Patriots – W
Returning to Hoover brings upon the team’s second victory as they roll to a 39-14 rout of the Hillcrest.

Sept. 12 – Hewitt-Trussville (Ala.) Huskies – W
In the third home game of the season for Hoover, this time around they’re able to win for a second time in front of the home faithful by two points.

Sept. 19 – at Prattville (Ala.) Lions – W
It is clear now that Hoover is on a roll as they soundly defeat Prattville in a 42-10 win on the road.

Sept. 26 – at Parker (Ala.) Thundering Herd – W
Playing another one of Alabama’s top high school football teams, Hoover flexes their muscle in a 30-14 victory.

Oct. 10 – Tuscaloosa County (Ala.) Wildcats – W
In what used to be a heated rivalry game, Hoover makes it look easy in a 45-7 blowout.

Oct. 17 – Thompson (Ala.) Wildcats – L
Facing arguably the state’s top team, the Bucs lose at home against the Warriors by two scores.

Oct. 24 – at Vestavia Hills (Ala.) Rebels – W
After its second loss of the season, Hoover closes out the regular season with a narrow 27-26 thriller over the Rebels.