Hoover (Ala.) vs. Opelika (Ala.)
Hoover can move to 16-0 and become a state champ with a win against Opelika.
Photo by Chris Evans
Fresh off a victory in arguably the most anticipated game of the season against Clay-Chalkville, Hoover (15-0) is one win away from its first state title since 2009. It would also mark the second state title for Josh Niblett, who has kept Hoover operating at an elite level since the program achieved national fame under head coach Rush Propst after being featured on MTV's "Two-A-Days" reality show. Quarterback
Connor Short has been a steady presence on offense, tossing for 2,692 yards and 30 scores. The secondary, with
Devon Earl (four interceptions) and
Marlon Humphrey (three) will make Opelika earn any yards it gets through the air.
See our Alabama playoff score projectionsOpelika (10-4) has been somewhat of a Cinderella story in the 6A playoffs, defeating Auburn and Carver in consecutive weeks to reach the final. It seeks to exact revenge upon Hoover after enduring a 30-7 loss to close the regular season. A
Malcolm Buggs 100-yard interception return for a touchdown last week against Carver was a big highlight. Similarly, defense will be critical to Opelika's success against Hoover's high-powered attack.
Mitch Stephens: Hoover 42, Opelika 21
Jamie DeMoney: Hoover 27, Opelika 14
Stephen Spiewak: Hoover 35, Opelika 10
Leland Gordon: Hoover 35, Opelika 21
Kevin Askeland: Hoover 28, Opelika 14
Steve Montoya: Hoover 38, Opelika 21
