Game Details
- Teams: Opelika Bulldogs vs. Hoover Buccaneers
- Date: Friday, November 15
- Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Hoover High School, Hoover, Alabama
- Watch: Live on NFHS Network
How to Watch
The NFHS Network will broadcast the game live, allowing fans to catch the action in real-time. The NFHS subscription service provides access to high school sports events across the country, including live games, replays, and highlights.
Game Preview
The upcoming clash between Opelika and Hoover brings together two powerhouse high school football programs from Alabama. Both teams have been highly competitive this season, demonstrating a high level of skill, coaching, and teamwork. Hoover has built a reputation as a consistent playoff contender with a potent offense and an aggressive, disciplined defense. Opelika, meanwhile, is known for its hard-nosed style, blending an effective ground game with a solid defense.
Team Overview
Opelika Bulldogs
- Record: 10-1
- Coach: Erik Speakman
- Key Players: QB Robert Owens, RB Calvin Hines, WR/KR Jaden Harris, LB Will Carter
- Strengths: Physical running game, reliable defense, strong special teams
- Weaknesses: Pass-heavy opponents
Hoover Buccaneers
- Record: 9-2
- Coach: Wade Waldrop
- Key Players: QB Brad Simmons, RB Jordan Davis, WR Caleb Scott, LB Zachary Tate
- Strengths: High-scoring offense, fast defense, experienced coaching staff
- Weaknesses: Sometimes susceptible to power-running teams
Team Comparisons
- Offense
- Opelika: Opelika’s offense is driven by a strong run game, led by RB Calvin Hines, who consistently grinds out yardage between the tackles. QB Robert Owens is an efficient passer, though Opelika’s offensive scheme leans heavily on their rushing attack. When needed, Owens can air it out to WR Jaden Harris, who is a reliable target and also a threat on special teams. Opelika’s offense relies on controlling the clock and wearing down opposing defenses, which they’ll aim to do against Hoover.
- Hoover: The Buccaneers have a balanced offensive approach, with QB Brad Simmons leading the charge. Simmons is an accurate passer with a quick release, allowing Hoover to spread the field and keep defenses on their heels. WR Caleb Scott is his primary target, known for his ability to make big plays downfield. RB Jordan Davis adds a significant threat in the backfield, giving Hoover a dual-threat offense that’s tough to defend.
- Defense
- Opelika: The Bulldogs’ defense is known for its toughness and ability to stop the run, led by LB Will Carter. Their front seven is physical and disciplined, adept at limiting big plays. The secondary has shown resilience, though they’ve sometimes struggled against strong passing teams. To succeed against Hoover’s spread offense, Opelika’s defense will need to maintain discipline and limit Hoover’s big-play potential.
- Hoover: Hoover’s defense is fast and aggressive, particularly against the pass. LB Zachary Tate anchors the unit, making plays all over the field. Their secondary is strong and often generates turnovers, making Hoover a difficult team to throw against. They’ll need to focus on stopping Opelika’s run game, as a physical ground attack can sometimes wear them down.
- Special Teams
- Opelika: Opelika’s special teams are strong, with kicker/punter Mason Brown providing reliable field goals and punts. WR Jaden Harris also doubles as a kick returner, and he’s always a threat to break a long return. Special teams could be pivotal in this matchup, especially if the game is close.
- Hoover: The Buccaneers have a well-rounded special teams unit with a consistent kicker and a disciplined coverage team. Caleb Scott, who also serves as a punt returner, has explosive potential and could turn the tide of the game with a big return. Field position and special teams execution could play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
Player Matchups to Watch
- Quarterbacks: Opelika’s Robert Owens vs. Hoover’s Brad Simmons
- Owens is a smart, controlled QB who manages the game well and makes plays when needed. His ability to handle pressure and make critical throws will be essential for Opelika. Simmons, on the other hand, is a gunslinger with a quick release and a strong arm. His chemistry with Scott and poise in the pocket could be the difference-maker if the game turns into a shootout.
- Running Backs: Opelika’s Calvin Hines vs. Hoover’s Front Seven
- Hines is a bruising back who excels at moving the chains and grinding out yards. Hoover’s defense, led by LB Zachary Tate, will need to shut down Hines to prevent Opelika from controlling the clock. This matchup between Hines and Hoover’s defensive line could be pivotal in determining who wins the time of possession battle.
- Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs: Opelika WR Jaden Harris vs. Hoover DBs
- Harris is a versatile player who can create mismatches against most defenses. Hoover’s secondary will need to contain him, as he’s capable of making explosive plays in both the passing and return game. If Hoover can keep Harris in check, they’ll have a good chance of limiting Opelika’s scoring opportunities.
- Linebackers: Opelika LB Will Carter vs. Hoover’s Offensive Line
- Carter is a tackling machine, and his presence will be crucial in stopping Hoover’s balanced offense. Hoover’s offensive line will need to protect Simmons and create lanes for Davis to keep Opelika’s linebackers off-balance. Carter’s ability to disrupt plays in the backfield could swing the momentum in Opelika’s favor if he has a standout performance.
Odds & Prediction
Odds
While there are typically no official betting odds for high school games, Hoover could be seen as a slight favorite due to their balanced offense and experienced coaching staff. Opelika’s physical style and strong defense, however, give them a solid chance to compete and potentially pull off a win.
Prediction
Hoover Buccaneers 27, Opelika Bulldogs 20
Hoover’s balanced offensive attack and strong defensive secondary give them an edge in this matchup. Opelika’s physicality and ground game will keep the game close, but Hoover’s offensive versatility and home-field advantage make them the likely winner in this tight contest.
Key Factors to Watch
- Game Tempo: Opelika will aim to control the pace with their run game, while Hoover may look to keep things fast and force Opelika to play catch-up. Whichever team can dictate the game’s tempo will likely have an upper hand.
- Turnover Battle: Both defenses are opportunistic, and any mistakes could prove costly. Hoover’s secondary is adept at picking off passes, while Opelika’s front seven is strong at causing fumbles. The team that wins the turnover battle will likely be in a good position to win the game.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Converting red-zone opportunities into touchdowns rather than field goals will be critical, especially in a game that’s expected to be close. Both teams have reliable kickers, but they’ll aim to capitalize on every scoring chance.
- Special Teams Impact: Big returns, key field goals, and field position will all play a significant role in this game. With both teams fielding dangerous return men, special teams could be the deciding factor if the game goes down to the wire.
This matchup between the Opelika Bulldogs and Hoover Buccaneers is set to be one of the top high school football games of the week, featuring two of Alabama’s most competitive programs. Hoover’s balanced attack and strong defense make them a formidable opponent, while Opelika’s physicality and ground game provide a solid counter.
Catch this exciting matchup live on the NFHS Network, where fans can follow the action as two talented teams compete to advance in the postseason. This game promises to be an intense and hard-fought battle, with both teams leaving everything on the field.
