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The Bama Buzz Game of the Week: Hoover, Prattville renew prestigious rivalry
Hoover and Prattville used to be THE class of 6A football in the state of Alabama.
The two programs met in the state championship game five times between 2004 and 2011. During that span, when one of them wasn’t in the championship game, the other one was.
Here’s a quick tale of the tape for the two programs since 2000:
| HOOVER BUCCANEERS | PRATTVILLE LIONS | |
| Total wins | 283 | 221 |
| State championships | 10 | 4 |
| Head-to-head wins | 5 | 3 |
While the two teams have met three times since the creation of Class 7A (including once in the state title game), this week marks the first time the two will ever play in a region game. Here’s what you need to know:
- Who: Prattville Lions (4-0) at #5 Hoover Buccaneers (3-1)
- Where: Hoover Met Complex, 5508 Stadium Trace Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35244
- When: 7PM, Friday, Sept. 20
- Tickets: $12 | Buy here
Keep reading to find out more about both teams + check out some of the other big matchups to keep an eye on this week.
Prattville Lions
Prattville certainly has not been the program it was when the rivalry with Hoover was at its peak but the Lions might be ready to make some noise in their new region.
After leaving the likes of Auburn, Central-Phenix City and Enterprise in Region 2, the Lions are now a part of the daunting Region 3 in central Alabama. But to little surprise, Prattville has not backed down and is already 2-0 in region play.
Prattville has won its first four games of the season for the first time since 2007—the last time the team had an undefeated season.
This year, the Lions are led by a strong rushing attack with Tristin Blackmon already racking up over 500 yards and six touchdowns. Prattville’s passing game may not be its bread and butter but senior quarterback Gavin Rigdon has thrown for 800 yards and six touchdowns without throwing an interception.
Hoover Buccaneers
Just two weeks ago, Hoover was seemingly in for another difficult year on the football field. After losing its new coach just before the season, the Bucs then fell to rival Spain Park for just the second time ever.
But coach Chip English got a great response out of his team as the Bucs bounced back with region wins over Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa and Hewitt-Trussville. Now, Hoover joins Prattville and Thompson as the only remaining teams without a region loss in Region 3.
Hoover has made the playoffs every season since the turn of the millennium, just sneaking in last season. And a win this week would go a long way to secured a postseason spot for the 25th consecutive year.
The Bucs have allowed just nine points per game across their three wins this season so their defense will likely be a key factor in Friday’s Game of the Week.
Other games to watch in Week 4
What a week we have in store for high school football fans across the state. Several top-10 matchups highlight another region week as the standings and playoff picture becomes a little more clear with each passing game.
Here’s a few to keep your eye on this Friday night:
- 7A #6 Enterprise at #1 Central-Phenix City
- 7A #4 Carver-Montgomery at #10 Dothan
- 6A #5 Oxford at #8 Mountain Brook
- 5A Arab at #1 Guntersville
- 4A #6 Mobile Christian at #1 Jackson
- 2A #8 Goshen at #2 Highland Home
- 1A #7 Elba at #3 Brantley
What are you most looking forward to in Week 4? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.
