New-look Gardendale wins 6 games in Hoover 7-on-7
Published 6:10 pm Monday, July 16, 2018
- Action from the Hoover City Elite National 7-on-7 from Hoover High School on July 13, 2018.
HOOVER—There’s lots of new blood running through the veins of the Gardendale High School football program this offseason, that much was sure last Thursday, Friday, Saturday at the Hoover City Elite National 7-on-7 event.
First-year head coach Chad Eads, a longtime assistant coach at Hoover, went 6-4 over three days of passing competition. After eight pool-play games on Thursday and Friday, Gardendale opened tournament play with a 25-17 win over Foley on Saturday thanks to a late pitch and catch from rising sophomore quarterback Goose Crowder to rising junior receiver Stephen Lewis.
That connection lifted the 10-seed Rockets into the second round where they lost to Colquitt County (Ga.), which is coached by former Hoover head coach Rush Propst.
Gardendale, breaking in a new head coach (Eads), offensive coordinator (Rodney Bivens) and defensive coordinator (Eric Firestone), competed in a tough Schutt F7 division during the week. The new-look Rockets earned wins over Hazel Green 20-13, Charles Henderson 31-6, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa 32-14, West Monroe (La.) 15-14, Jefferson County (Ga.) 25-8, and Foley 25-17. Their loses came at the hands of Niceville (Fla.), Clay-Chalkville, Spanish Fort, and Colquitt County (Ga.).
Crowder is expected to replace his recently-graduated brother, Michael, under center this season. The 2021 prospect showed promise as a passer, developing a rhythm with rising junior tight end Bailey Parsons throughout the camp. He also found wealth going to wideouts Lewis and Colt Belcher, and running backs Jay Brooks and Jacob Wright.
Receiver Owen Cupps did not compete in Hoover as he recovers from a minor injury. He expects to be back in time for fall camp. Gardendale opens the 2018 season on Aug. 24 in Louis Crews Stadium against Mae Jemison.
Defensively, Eads pointed to a talented secondary which includes Justin Parks, Tanrence Catlin, Kendale Allen and Jonah Wright, among others.
Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.
