PHHS 29 Hoover 6

The Freshman Football team went to Hoover High School and played the most complete game of the year by beating the Cardinals 29-6. It was a complete game for one reason. It was the effort of the entire team. The offense, defense, special teams, entire roster, the fans and the coaching staff all contributed to the win against the Hoover Cardinals.

The game started with a punt return by Travonne Pollard for a touchdown putting the Patriots up 7-0. After the ensuing kickoff, the Cardinals worked the ball down the field and scored on a long drive. The defense tightened up and prevented a two point conversion. Those were the last points the Cardinals would have the rest of the afternoon.

The Patriots almost went the whole 1st Quarter without running an offensive play. After Hoover kicked off, it took the Patriot offense 3 plays to score another TD with a run by Lee King. King would score another TD later in the quarter.

With four seconds left in the half, the Patriots recovered a fumble on the Hoover 5 yard line. Robert Hammond converted a 22 yard field goal.

In the second half, the Patriot offense showed it's toughness by running the ball. RB Khalid Barnes barrelled over defenders as he did his best to imitate former Steeler RB Jerome "The Bus" Bettis. This was Khalid's best game of the year. "The wheels on the bus go round and round..."

Special teams showed up again with a punt that was downed at the 1 yard line by Robert Luciano. That coverage play led to a safety for the defense when SS Brandon Salgado tackled a Hoover ball carrier in the endzone.

In the 4th quarter, DL Andre Mosely recovered a fumble and Duantonio Allen intercepted a pass and returned it to the Hoover 1 yard line. Unfortunately, he was stripped of the ball and Hoover recovered at the 1 yard line. Fortune changed again as the Patriot defense came through with another safety.

After the safety, both teams were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. I circled the troops and reminded them to keep their composure and to walk away from confrontation. Our players responded well and kept their cool for the remainder of the game.

It truly was a team effort. I never tell the kids "I want to win". All I want for them to do is to compete. And they do. They never give up, they always give their best effort and the winning is all the fruits of their labor. You parents and family members should be proud of your young men. It is a testament to you and the way you raise our players.

GO PATRIOTS!!