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HOOVER KICKS 2001 SEASON OFF WITH 37-7 VICTORY OVER NEIGHBOORHOOD RIVAL GREEN North Canton Memorial Stadium - DeAngelo Thomas returned the opening kick 50 yards into Green territory at the 45 yard line. Both Offenses struggled to begin the game, Hoover did not gain a first down in their first three possessions and Green's only first down was via penalty. The two teams combined for five yards of offense in the games first six offensive series. Hoover, though, found away with their 4th possession. Tailback Brek Gerber rushed for 5, 3 and 57 yards in a 3 play - 65 yard drive. The extra point was no good and Hoover ended the 1st quarter leading 6-0. Green began to move the ball with the help of a holding penalty, the Bulldogs concluded a 6 play - 48 yard drive with a 43 FG that just missed. On Hoover's next drive, despite being hampered by a 23 yard penalty, they rung up 108 yards of offense in 12 plays concluding on a 27 yard TD strike from Reifsnyder to Gulling. The 2 point conversion failed and Hoover now led 12-0. Brek Gerber ended a Green scoring threat with a Interception at the Hoover 12 yard line. After each team traded possessions, Hoover had one more chance before half as they drove 5 plays 39 yards in 61 seconds and kicked a FG that bounced off the uprights. That was the conclusion of the 1st half with Hoover leading Green 12-0. In the second half, Hoover's offense continued to warm up. Holding Green to 12 yards on their 1st two possessions in the second half, Hoover responded with a pair of scores. The 1st was a 9 play - 80 yard scoring drive in which Jimmy Pope scored a 5 yard TD run and point after was good. It was now a 19-0 Hoover lead. Hoover scored again on their next possession on a 4 play - 61 yard drive in which Jimmy Pope caught a 20 yard TD pass, again the point after was sucessful. Green finally got on the scoreboard on a 6 play 67 yard drive, Scott Casto pulled in a 42 yard TD pass from Green Quarterback Chris Edwards to close the gap to 26-7. Hoover scored again after a dazzling 67 yard kick return by DeAngelo Thomas setting up Hoover with great field position. Hoover then only needed 3 plays to go 29 yards on a 13 yard run by Brek Gerber. Suprisingly Hoover went for a two-point conversion and was successful (Reifsnyder to Gulling) now making the score 34-7 in favor of the Vikings. Hoover continued to move the ball on an 11 play drive for 65 yards ending on a Brad Reifsnyder 26yd FG. This closed out the scoring at 37-7. In the final moments the third team threatened to score but time expired. The Vikings host Akron Buchtel next week. Levi |