HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT) -- High school football will officially kick off in Alabama this weekend.
Sunday, the Hoover Bucs celebrated the start of the season at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover.
The people who came to Bucs Fan Day could not be more excited for the season to get underway. Hoover's football team has had a controversial summer, including the resignation of two former coaches and an ongoing investigation into the program.
While speaking to the crowd Sunday, interim head coach Chip English made it clear that the team is ready to play some football.
“We have had a long off season, spring, summer and now fall camp, and they are ready to let their talents shine, and I am excited to see it,” remarked English.
Students, parents, and community members showed up to cheer on the Bucs. The celebration included posters, live music and autographs.
Stephanie Crabtree, whose son plays for the team, said she loves to see the community come together and show support.
“It's incredible to have it at the Galleria, instead of at a school. We get to come here and the whole community gets around us. There’s just nothing like being a Hoover Buc,” Crabtree said.
Hoover's mayor, Frank Brocato. was at Bucs Fan Day. He says the resignation of Hoovers former head coach has helped the team to grow.
“People who want to be successful certainly you want to learn from the controversy and difficult times, but you can't focus on that. You got to move forward and I'm certain that's what this team, coach, principal, the entire school board, our entire city, we are moving forward.”
Hoover will travel to Miami next weekend to take on Western high school at 12 p.m.