Hoover puts clamps on Byrnes, defeat Rebels 14-0

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Byrnes running back Shakeem Wharton draws a host of Hoover (Ala.) defenders during Saturday's game in Rock Hill. Wharton's Rebels were not able to figure out the Bucs defense, being held scoreless in a 14-0 loss.

Two of the nation’s most prolific offenses were expected to take the field Saturday afternoon in Rock Hill, but it was the defenses who took center stage when Hoover (Ala.) finally collided with Byrnes.
A match-up yearned by fans of both programs for some time, the Bucs had just enough to get by the South Carolina powerhouse, 14-0.
Quarterback Caleb Sims had a hand in both Hoover scores, opening scoring with a 20-yard run in the first quarter and a 45-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Denson late in the third.
That was more than enough insurance for the Buccaneer defense, holding Byrnes to 127 total yards for the game, shutting it out for the first time since 1999 -- a 41-0 loss to Rock Hill in the same District Three Stadium in which it played.
“The coaches did a good job of mixing things up, and disguising coverages,” said Hoover head coach Josh Niblett. “I’m just so proud of how our kids did today.”
Byrnes did not cross the 50-yard line until the 3:56 mark in the fourth period, when the game was well in hand. The Bucs defensive speed had something to do with that, yielding only 38 yards through the air and going 0-for- 11 on third down. “We're just young,” Byrnes coach Chris Miller said. “We lost three great receivers (coming into the game) and struggled a little bit. … I'm definitely not taking anything away from our younger players. But when you don't have Tony (Hillman) and Craig (Weick), it hurts us a little bit.”
Hillman and Weick both missed the game due to injuries. Wide receiver Akia Booker also missed the game due to disciplinary reasons.
Byrnes running back Shakeem Wharton led the team with 91 yards on 22 carries.
The Rebels defense held its own against Alabama’s defending Class 6A champion, allowing 253 yards while holding Hoover to 4-of-15 on third down. The Bucs lived in Byrnes territory for much of the contest, but could not seem to finish drives, something Niblett said his team will work on in coming weeks.
“We got out of tempo a bit, but thank God for the opportunity to be here and get this victory,” the Hoover head coach said. “Something we harp upon is that everyone has a job. If you do your job, and everyone else takes care of their business, we will be in good shape.”
The road does not get any easier for the Rebels, taking on S.C. Class 3A juggernaut Myrtle Beach. Hoover dives headfirst into competition in the Heart of Dixie, taking on rival Spain Park (Ala.).