HS PREVIEW: Hoover vs. Spain Park

There were rumblings before the season started this could be the year of the Jaguar. The year that puts the program right where it longs to be, in a position to beat Hoover (1-1), to win the toughest region title in the state, and make it deep into the state championship play-offs. Friday night’s contest will go a long way to determine the latter two goals.

There is no question Coach John Grass, in his second year, will field the best Spain Park team that has ever walked onto the field.

The Jaguars made short work of a very tough Pelham (1-1) squad on opening weekend 28-8. They came back the next week to win 27-14 against a (0-2) Mountain Brook team that was dealt a terrible blow in the first week of play when senior quarterback Morgan Ogilvie suffered a leg injury.

Spain Park returns 19 starters versus two Coach Rush Propst will bring to the show. This looks like a sealed deal, but in reality Hoover is still Hoover, and Coach Propst will always field a competitor for this region title.

Spain Park has senior quarterback Cody Wells (6-0, 180) who passed for 2,262 yards on 303 attempts with 192 completions, 19 touchdowns and three interceptions in 2006. Wells has a strong offensive front to protect him including 6-7, 260-pound senior Eric Jones.

Coach Propst is replacing his graduated quarterback, Ross Wilson, with senior Tyler Ray (6-0, 165) who has stepped into the role nicely for the Bucs.

Hoover's best offensive sparks seem to come from wide receiver Tristan Purifoy (6-2, 185).

Spain Park's wide receivers are senior Brad Cox (6-9, 170) with seven receptions for 140 yards and sophomore Thomas Wilder (6-0, 160) who has 10 receptions for 195 yards and three touchdowns. These are Wells' main go-to guys, but others are capble of getting the job done as well.

Defensively, Hoover lost a lot of talent with Josh Chapman (Alabama) and Kerry Murphy (Alabama/Hargrave) both graduating. They will try and counter Wells’ aerial attack with pressure from defensive frontman Andrew White (6-3, 260) and junior defensive backs Brian Jackson (5-10, 175) and Justin Sly (5-11 175), seniors Will Lowery (5-11, 185) and Chase Daniel (6-3, 190).

Spain Park seems ahead on this front with 6-6, 240-pound senior defensive end William Green (13 tackles, one sack), 6-2, 220-pound senior linebacker Sean Thompson (22 tackles), 5-11, 185-pound safety Rod Hunter (16 tackles) to lead their defense.

This defensive unit has combined for seven sacks, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions in two games this season.

Both of these teams are very talented, and a nightmare for most teams they face throughout the year. This really appears to come down to the psychology of winning.

Coach Grass will recognize his players will not need much motivation to get their competitive juices flowing. The real work is trying to manage them. Grass might try to keep his players in a calm place, give them confidence to fight off any nerves.

Coach Propst may have a different take on the game. He may try to outrage his players by telling them Spain Park has never beaten Hoover. ‘Are you going to be the first to let it happen?’

Rebecca's Take: This is going to be a battle, but it is finally the Jaguars turn. They will get it done by at least seven.

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Spain Park photo provided by Ken Little Sports Photography.

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