By NEAL EMBRY/For the Reporter

HOOVER — A week after their upset victory over the Vestavia Hills Rebels, the Oak Mountain Eagles traveled to the Hoover Met to take on the Hoover Buccaneers, who were coming off their first win of the season against Mountain Brook.

Before the game, both teams had to face the threat of Mother Nature. Cloud to ground lightning and heavy rains caused the game to be delayed by almost an hour and a half.

It goes without saying that the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) doesn’t allow games to be played if there is lightning in the area. However, Hoover’s offense brought plenty of their own lightning in a 35-0 victory.

On the first play from scrimmage, Bucs quarterback Jack Hutcheson slung the ball downfield to receiver Alex Elam, who took the pass 80 yards into the end zone for a touchdown.

After forcing an Oak Mountain punt, the Bucs took over in Eagles territory, but Oak Mountain got the ball back on an interception. All momentum seemed to swing the Eagles’ way.

However, on a fourth down and goal from the one-yard line, the Buccaneer defense made a stand and forced a turnover on downs. The offense answered quickly on a 76-yard touchdown run from Marcus Webb.

In the second quarter, Hoover forced their first of three turnovers, all fumbles, with a big hit from Micah Bagley.

Bradrick Shaw capitalized on the turnover with a touchdown run on the ensuing drive. A touchdown reception by Justin Johnson capped the first half scoring, giving Hoover a 35-0 lead at the break.

Hoover added to their lead with just less than eight minutes to play in the third quarter as Johnson caught his second pass and touchdown of the night to put the Bucs up 35-0.

Oak Mountain’s last scoring chance came late in the third quarter with a third and goal at the five-yard line. Quarterback Warren Shader crossed the goal line, but not before the ball popped loose for a fumble that Hoover quickly recovered.

While running back Harold Shader quietly ran for 151 yards, the rest of Oak Mountain’s offense struggled, as the Eagles failed to complete a pass all game.

The Eagles will try to get back in the win column Sept. 19 at home against Tuscaloosa County.