James Clemens season ends at Hoover

Austin McGhee runs for James Clemens (Record Photo/ Chris Shimek)

HOOVER- It was a battle of two of the state’s top defenses on Nov. 11 as Hoover held on for a 14-7 win over James Clemens to end the Jets season at 8 wins and 4 losses. It was the second straight season James Clemens advanced to then lost in the second round of the AHSAA playoffs.

Both offenses struggled. The Jets were held to 146 yards of total offense and 6 first downs. Hoover only had 208 yards but used them effectively by scoring a touchdown on a 6-yard run by Vonte Brackett in the second qusrter.

Hoover got a 30-yard punt return and a 40 yard pass to set up the touchdown.

Led by quarterback Jamil Muhammed, James Clemens moved into Hoover territory in the second quarter when Muhammed rushed 30 yards. But a third and long pass was intercepted by Hoover’s Ben Abercrombie.

In the third quarter, Hoover scored a defensive touchdown that ultimately was the difference in the game. Hoover defensive back Will Singleton picked up a Jets fumble and raced 15 yards to make the score 14-0. James Clemens scored later that quarter when Monty Rice picked up a blocked punt and raced into the end zone.

Hoover missed two field goals in the second half and the Jets made one last drive to attempt to tie the game. But a long pass by Muhammed was intercepted by Hoover’s Jayden Jordan and the Bucs ran out the clock.

It was the final game for 31 seniors.

“I can’t believe its over but I had some special moments as a Jet,” LaBryan Ray said. “Had so much fun playing with my brothers and representing my school.”

The end of the season means several highly recruited seniors on James Clemens team will make decisions on where to play college football. The two most high profile players are Ray and Monty Rice but others like Brodie Collier will also announce their decisions soon.