Hoover to host Blackman on Halloween 2014

– Dallas Jackson, NationalHSFootball.com

Out of necessity opportunity is born. Such is the case for Hoover (Ala.) High and Murfreesboro (Tenn.) Blackman.

The flag-bearing program in Alabama was actively searching for a quality opponent to fill its Oct. 31 date when it read that Blackman had a scheduled game against Bowling Green (Kent.) High bought out for the same date. The two programs then negotiated a deal which was finalized and signed Monday morning to bring the Blaze to the Birmingham suburb.

Hoover Athletic Director Myra Miles said that the Bucs are ready to welcome one of the best programs in the state of Tennessee.

“We are once again very excited to add another outstanding team to our 2014 home football schedule,” Myles said. “Blackman is a Top 3 team in the state of Tennessee and this will be an awesome challenge for our kids to play another top notch program.

“We are very thankful to have this opportunity for our kids, coaches, school and our great city. Blackman is a class program and we look forward to hosting them at The Hoover Met.”

Hoover finished the 2013 season ranked No. 15 in the HSFB100 rankings and figures to be a program that garners a Preseason HSFB100 Top 10 ranking entering 2014.

Blackman closed the 2013 season ranked No. 4 within the state of Tennessee after it went 11-3, advancing to the Class 6A semifinals. It is likely to enter the 2014 season inside the Preseason HSFB100 rankings as the No. 2 team in the state.

Blaze coach Philip Shadowens said that this has been a whirlwind going from Bowling Green to Hoover in such a short period of time.

“I am still disappointed that we didn’t get a return game from Bowling Green,” he said. “They were the top program in Kentucky and we wanted another shot at them. That said, things happen for a reason and this is a tremendous opportunity for us.

“I wish we would have had a better week to play a team like Hoover since it is our Week 10 — the week before playoffs start — but it is two of the top teams from the two states and a boarder battle.”

Shadowens played last season with just four home games and thought that he would recoup that this season with six home dates before Bowling Green backed out. He said that the 180-mile trip down I-65 is something that will fire up his players and the fans.

“I think everyone will be excited about this,” he said. “Our philosophy is to play the best teams you can. High school football is a one-time experience and we want to create memories that will stay with these kids. I think being able to play a team like Hoover is something this group is going to talk about at their 10-year reunion.

“It is an easy drive for our fans and while we wanted to have that extra home game I know that our fans are passionate and they will come support us on the road.”

Blackman will enter the contest headlined by four-star athlete Jauan Jennings — ranked No. 88 by 247Sports.com – and running back Charlie Davidson. It also returns tight end Quentin Hardy and Ronnie Killings returning in the Class of 2015.

The program is part of the toughest district in Tennessee and will have been tested by Murfreesboro (Tenn.) Riverdale, Smyrna (Tenn.) High, and Murfreesboro (Tenn.) Oakland before heading to Alabama.

Hoover returns one of the best defenses in the country and will be lead by linebackers Darrell Williams and defensive end Christian Bell in the Class of 2015. The Class of 2016 has a trio of talented players with Jeremiah Moon, Tony Bennett, and Jermarius Jordan.

Offensively the Bucs will rely on Bradrick Shaw at running back and Justin Johnson as a playmaking receiver.

Outside of its Region foes, Hoover is also scheduled to go on the road to play Moultrie (Ga.) Colquitt County.

Kickoff is slated for 7 pm on Halloween Night at The Hoover Met. Capacity for The Met is 10,800 fans.

The Varsity Board: What do you think of the pairing of Hoover and Blackman for 2014?