Hoover (Ala.) at South Panola (Batesville, Miss.)
Connor Short and Hoover opened with a win over South Panola last season. They plan on a repeat.
Photo by Joe Boyd
Hoover aims to open the year with a win over Mississippi's top program for the second season in a row. The Bucs beat South Panola, 24-13, and eventually made the 6A state title game last season, but have only seven starters returning. Among those who are back is senior quarterback
Connor Short, a 2,000-yard passer in 2011.
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QwixcoreSouth Panola escaped with a 12-10 win against West Point last week.
Clayton Sibley kicked four field goals, including the game-winner from 18 yards out on the final play of the game. The Tigers have 17 returning starters and are favored to win their eighth state title since 2003. Youth and inexperience contributed to the Tigers losing four games last year – a one-year total that's twice the total number of losses the program had between 2002 and 2010.
Mitch Stephens: Hoover 17, South Panola 14
Steve Montoya: South Panola 24, Hoover 20
Stephen Spiewak: Hoover 31, South Panola 20
Kevin Askeland: South Panola 28, Hoover 14
Leland Gordon: Hoover 28, South Panola 23
Jamie DeMoney: South Panola 23, Hoover 17
