LaMarion McCammon ran for 245 yards and three scores as Class 7A, No. 3 Hoover remained unbeaten in Region 3 play with a 31-13 victory over No. 7 Tuscaloosa County at the Hoover Met.

The score likely would have been more lopsided if Hoover had not lost five fumbles, including one returned for a touchdown. Hoover has now won seven straight games.

McCammon scored touchdowns of 6, 45 and 11 yards in the second half as Hoover extended a 7-6 halftime lead.

Hoover (7-1 overall, 5-0 in region) rushed for 299 yards as the Bucs were down to third-string quarterback Noah Schuback as starter Brewer Smith is out with a non season-ending shoulder injury and backup Brody Stacey also did not dress out, but should be available going forward, coach Wade Waldrop said.

“Our defense was really solid,” Hoover left tackle Ethan Hubbard said. “This was our fault. They should have had less possessions. As an offense, we’ll take the blame for it, but we’ll go back and take a look at it.”

Tuscaloosa County (5-2, 3-2) got two field goals from Isaac Rodriguez and a 32-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by Quilen Hale,

Star of the game: It was McCammon, filling in for an injured starting running back Ahamari Williams. He had a career night and, like most good running backs, credited the offensive line as had 200 yards after halftime.

Key moment: Leading 7-6 and receiving to begin the second half, Hoover’s Jay Avery nearly lost a fumble on the kickoff return, but recovered at midfield and the Bucs scored on a 27-yard field goal from Peyton Argent.

By the numbers: 12, consecutive wins by Hoover over Tuscaloosa in a series that has the Bucs ahead 19-3. … 11, tackles for loss by the Hoover defense. … 2, interceptions by the Hoover defense.

Stat sheet: Jacorrey Hayes had 39 yards rushing and an 18-yard touchdown for the Bucs. Tuscaloosa County was held to 113 total yards, and the Bucs had 350, with 299 on the ground.

Coachspeak: “I thought our defense played great all night, especially when they had to go out five, six, seven extra times that they shouldn’t have had to. I thought the offensive line played their best game from the very first snap. That’s really the first game they’ve gone one to four (quarters) and done their job up front the way they did.” – Hoover coach Wade Waldrop

“I think Hoover came out and really responded in the third quarter. They made some plays and we didn’t respond well to keep the ball game close. We had every chance to be in the game and have a chance to win, but you’ve got to give Hoover credit. They made the stops when they needed to.” – Tuscaloosa County coach Adam Winegarden

They said it …: “LaMarion was having a tough week last week, but he showed up tonight. He could have had at least 400 (yards), but we had (five lost) fumbles and we really need to work on that. We’re going to improve on that heading into Chelsea (next week).” – Hoover left tackle Ethan Hubbard

“Amazing. It was beautiful. Holes opened up everywhere. They really did their thing.” McCammon, praising the offensive line.

What’s next?: Hoover is at Chelsea and Tuscaloosa County hosts No. 2-ranked Thompson.