Thompson vs Hoover. A Modern Rivalry.

Alabama High School Football is very rich in historic rivalries, T.R. Miller vs W.S. Neal, Daphne vs. Spanish Fort, and UMS Wright vs. St. Paul’s. Recently one rivalry has stuck out over all the others, Hoover vs. Thompson. Historically Hoover has dominated this rivalry for many years until recently.

Thompson gained its first win on October 27, 2017, by a score of 32- 25. Before that game Hoover was 20-0 against the Thompson Warriors dating back to October 7, 1988. It was not until current head coach at Thompson Mark Freeman arrived that the Warriors were able to finally get the big first win over the Buccaneers. Freeman said that first win in October of 2017 “puts a stamp that your program is pretty good.” Maybe now we see how important that result was in creating the dynasty that Thompson Football has become. But only 4 weeks after that first win there was a rematch in the AHSAA 7a State Playoffs Semi-Finals. This time the Warriors had a chance to come home and get their second consecutive win over the Buccaneers, but it was not the Warriors' night. They would lose that game against Buccaneers 31-12. Just ten days later The Hoover Buccaneers would defeat McGill-Toolen to gain its second straight state title and prover their dynasty still lived on. But little did we know that Warrior loss on that late November night would lead to the creation of a new dynasty in Alabama High School Football.

Since that night the Warriors have gone 7-3 against the Buccaneers. With five of those wins coming in the last five semi-final games. Thompson is currently on a streak of four consecutive state titles. Every year they have gone through Hoover to win that state title. Coach Freeman said “[Hoover] were the measuring stick forever and ever in the state of Alabama.” For the last five years these two teams have met twice in the season. In the regular season the game is always for the region 3 championship and then the rematch always determines who is in the state championship.

This rivalry always has some of Alabama’s best talent on the field. From the likes of Thompson’s Peter Woods, Jerimiah Alexander, Tony Mitchell, and 2021 Mr. Football. Current Maryland Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa who led Thompson to the first victory over the Hoover Buccaneers. Hoover has had talent on the field as well. With the likes of current Auburn Quarterback Robby Ashford and former Auburn and current Cincinnati Bengals receiver Shedrick Jackson. One of the biggest names to play in this rivalry is current Pittsburgh Steelers star and Georgia receiver George Pickens. There is no doubt that the talent we see on the field each and every year in this game is talent we will see for years to come on Saturdays and Sundays.

This year the rivalry will be renewed, maybe with not as much on the line, but don’t let that fool you. Hoover may be entering this game at 4-5 but they will still get up for the big Rivalry game. Hoover will give Thompson everything they got to gain momentum heading into the playoffs. Hoover may have a losing record,

but Thompson won’t let the record lower the importance of this game. Peter Woods, current Clemson Defensive Tackle, and former Thompson Warrior said “The Hoover game is an important rivalry…It started as Hoover just beating up on everybody. But we’re just here to continue what we’ve been doing, which is beating them.” Thompson will come out pumped for this big rivalry game led by Freshman Trent Seaborn at Quarterback to make sure that they beat Hoover. Coach Freeman said, “People come to Thompson to play Hoover and vice-versa I’m sure.” It is well known that both teams have this game in the back of their mind all year. This year may not have much riding on it, but the emotions will be high on the field as Hoover and Thompson renew this great rivalry.

Let’s look at this year’s game. Thompson is coming into the game with a record of 7-1 with one loss coming by three points to one of the best teams in the state, Clay-Chalkville. Thompson has talent all over the field this year as well, with Freshman Quarterback Trent Seaborn, Senior running back AJ Greene, and on the defensive side of the ball Junior Safety Anquon Fegans and Senior Linebacker Jaydien Davis. Hoover is having a down year in terms of recent teams. The Buccaneers are 4-5 with close losses all throughout the season. Hoover has talent on both sides of the ball as well with Senior Linebacker Bradley Shaw, Sophomore Quarterback Noah Schuback, and Senior Defensive End Micah Hampton. This year’s game is at Hoover Met which will be guaranteed to be a great atmosphere. But the Warriors have proven they can win at the Met, with a record of 4-2 facing the Buccaneers at the Met. This game may not decide who the state champion is this year, but you can expect each team to bring it with how important bragging rights will be for each school.

Photo via Jason Caldwell, 247Sports