Coming into this semifinal game Hoover had never reached any championship game in school history, since 1930 (85 years of football). The Cardinals had only reached the semifinals twice before in 1963 and 2000.
The Eagles struck first with a FG (0:41) but then it was all Hoover for the rest of the first half. Multiple turnovers (1:49) helped the Cardinals establish a 21-3 lead at halftime and then the fog rolled in for the second half.
Granite Hills was able to muster a comeback through the heavy fog as the Eagles took advantage of some Hoover turnovers (2:50).
Midway through the fourth quarter and Hoover up 21-13 the Cardinal’s stout defense won the game as they held Granite Hills’ offense on four plays on first and goal (3:04).
Hoover (9-3) has only once won 10 games in a year (1999) so they will try to tie the school record for wins as they face # 2 Christian in the CIF D3 final at Southwestern College (Chula Vista, CA).
Hoover has had some great teams in the 85-year school history but pre-1980 teams didn’t play ten games in a year, pre-1970 there were few playoff berths and pre-1960 Hoover was competing against all of Southern California in the playoffs (LA, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Imperial counties).
Hoover By the Numbers
Opened: 1929
First Football Season: 1930 (85th Year)
Most Wins: 1999, 10-2, Quarterfinal loss at Serra 16-14
Semifinal Appearances: 1963, 2000, 2014