Bucs Reclaim Top Spot In Rankings, Jags Fall Out Of Poll

HOOVER, AL - Hoover returned to its preseason ranking atop the Alabama Sports Writers Association poll this week after defeating then-No. 1 Thompson 45-26, while Spain Park's 28-21 loss to Vestavia Hills dropped the Jags out of the poll for the first time this season.

Hoover quarterback Robby Ashford continued his dominance this season, as the junior amassed 209 yards through the air and added another 146 on the ground. Both teams accounted for more than 500 yards apiece on offense, but it was Hoover's defense that seemed to make the difference, picking off Thompson star QB Taulia Tagovailoa at a crucial point in the game as the Warriors had reached the Hoover 26 yard line.

Tagovailoa put on an impressive display, completing 33-of-57 passes for 478 yards, four touchdowns and the one interception.

The Jags lost another heartbreaker, falling to Vestavia in the final minute of the game, despite Spain Park RB Jalen Henderson's 26 carries for 151 yards. (For more updates on high school sports and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Patch morning newsletter.)

The ASWA 7A Top 10 looks like this coming into Week 4:

1. Hoover (27); 2-1; 351
2. Central-Phenix City (3); 3-0; 268
3. Thompson; 2-1; 229
4. Auburn; 3-0; 202
5. Hewitt-Trussville; 2-1; 168
6. McGill-Toolen; 2-1; 164
7. Lee-Montgomery; 3-0; 124
8. Mountain Brook; 3-0; 87
9. Bob Jones; 2-1; 41
10. Vestavia Hills; 2-0; 31

Hoover takes on Hewitt-Trussville this Friday, while Spain Park travels to Mountain Brook.

Image via Hoover Athletics