Hoover Gets Started

Hoover, Ala. -- The Hoover passing tournament in Hoover, Alabama continues to bring in the top the Southeast, and after the first day of games several teams are starting to rise to the top.

The Hoover passing tournament in Hoover, Alabama continues to bring in the top the Southeast, and after the first day of games several teams are starting to rise to the top.

Shiloh Christian out of Springdale, Ark., Byrnes High from Duncan, S.C., and homestate Foley High currently stand as the only three schools undefeated through four games of pool play and both consistently posted big scores with their prolific offenses.

After getting off to a shakey start against Evangel Christian, up by 20 points before squeezing out a 26-19 victory, the Byrnes Rebels defeated Olive Branch 34-9, Spain Park 32-18, and Hoovers "B" team 40-21.

Shiloh Christian has a strong offense led by wide receiver Crosby Tuck (right), an Arkansas commitment, and quarterback Matt Simpson. However it was the defense showing its toughness keeping three of four opponents to ten points or less. Shiloh Christian defeated Rock Bridge (Mo.) 37-8, Memphis University 37-20, Hoover's "A" team 34-6, and upstart Huguenot (Va.) 34-10.

The surprise team of the tournament, thus far, is Foley (Ala.) High School. Quarterback Roosevelt Byrd and junior wide receiver Julio Jones put on a clinic as the two connected on several deep routes and a plethora of touchdowns. Jones will enter the class of 2008 as one of the top receivers in the nation. The underclassman has five-star status written all over him.

The hometown Hoover Bucs are still one of the teams to beat thanks in part to starting quarterback, Ross Wilson, who was on fire in the first two games completing 33/38 with seven touchdowns and only one interception. His new target, Brandon Clear, is an outstanding receiver with numerous acrobatic catches and touchdowns adding to his performance for the first day of the tournament.

Spice Rack
While Willy Korn (left) is busy leading his Byrnes team to the top of his side of pool play, he is well aware of his needing to save some arm strength for next week's Elite 11. Rock Bridge (Mo.) is having some trouble thus far in the tournament as star quarterback Logan Gray opted out to get ready for the Elite 11 action next week.

Also not making appearance is Caleb King, the five star running back who played for Parkview (Ga.) last year. As he is working out in Texas this summer, the rumors circulated throughout the tournament that King is looking to move to Greater Atlantic Christian where his older brother is the new running backs coach. However, sources on the Parkview team feel confident that King will return to the team this winter.

Speaking of Parkview, cornerback Julian Whitehead received good news today as he worked a strength session on his injured ACL and the doctors believe he will be ready to play near the September 2nd opening game.

Current Standings

School	Wins	Loss
Byrnes	4	0
McGill-Toolen	3	1
Springdale	3	1
Evangel Christian	2	2
Wooddale	2	2
Spain Park	2	2
Thomas Jefferson	2	2
Olive Branch	1	3
Hoover B	1	3
North Gwinett	0	4
Foley	4	0
Shiloh Christian	4	0
Hoover A	3	1
Nease	2	2
Parkview	2	2
Jefferson County	1	3
Memphis University	1	3
Harrisburg	1	3
Rock Bridge	1	3
Huguenot	1	3