Two schools, one team: Hoover and Roosevelt football unite under the lights

Under the Friday night lights this fall, the Roosevelt Roughriders football team wasn’t just playing for one school; they were representing both Hoover High and Roosevelt as they united into one team. The team finished with a 2-7 record on the season, but wrote a story worth so much more than any number of wins. 

The Hoover Husky football program, which began when the school opened in 1967, announced that it would not have its own team at the end of the 2024-25 school year, shocking many members of the community and students. This came after drama in the 2022-23 season when there were talks of cutting the program; this time, it actually happened, with low student participation being cited as the primary reason. The Hoover administration told athletes that if they wanted to continue playing football, they would have to join the Roosevelt team.

In a letter sent to families, Hoover Principal Qynne Kelly said, “I can assure you that this decision was not taken lightly. However, due to a variety of concerns and barriers, including safety and interest, this decision was collaboratively made.”

So, this season, Hoover players have traded their familiar green and gold for Roosevelt’s blue and white, trying to build a new team, a new family.

In class 4A, the Huskies went 0-9 in their last season, losing by an average of 36 points in games. Hoover also went 0-9 in the 2023-24 season and has only had 12 wins since going 6-4 in 2015. Their players now move over to Roosevelt and 5A play.

For many players, this merger came as a surprise, as some were nervous and others were uncertain. But what started as an experiment in uncertain times has evolved into a special experience for the players.

“It feels good, everyone is together and a family. It’s a welcoming environment for everyone,” said Roosevelt sophomore running back Jayden Shields. 

Roosevelt junior wide receiver Evan Wold said, “I had never met any of these new guys from Hoover, but we quickly all became a family. We’re even hanging out outside of football, which I never thought we would.”

Hoover senior defensive back Samuel Zay Zay had similar doubts. “I didn’t think it was going to work at first, but everyone said to trust the process, and it was worth the wait,” he said. “Either you run the day or the day runs you,” Zay Zay added.

Hoover senior wide receiver Daviontay Hunter said, “I feel that [the merge] is great and helps everyone push themselves to be better than others.”

According to Hoover Athletic Director Charles Zanders, the decision to merge was driven by the low participation numbers in the sport, along with safety concerns of the players.

“Hoover’s football program had faced low numbers for several years,” Zanders said in an email interview. “This partnership ensures student-athletes still have the opportunity to play, practice, and compete. It keeps kids on the field doing what they love.”

Zanders said that both schools’ coaches and administrators worked closely as a team with families to make the transition as smooth as possible. He added that early concerns about fairness and identity faded once practices began for the sport.

“Feedback has been positive,” said Zanders. “Players feel accepted, they’re practicing in larger, safer groups, and they’re excited about competing together.”

On the field, every athlete now wears blue and white, Roosevelt’s school colors; however, off the field, Hoover students remain proud to be a Husky and remember their time in the green and gold. Zanders emphasized that both traditions are being celebrated throughout the season, with Hoover players encouraged to step into leadership roles on the team and keep their identity alive for Hoover.

Players said that the experience has taught them lessons on perseverance, teamwork, and adapting to change. Hoover junior linebacker David Davis shared that learning to bond with teammates has been the hardest and most rewarding part of the change.

“The biggest challenge was getting to know everyone and rebuilding team chemistry,” Davis said. “I’ve learned that no matter where you come from, DMPS kids can unite and get along just fine.”

Hoover senior linebacker Hushindi Abwe echoed this after celebrating his first-ever high school win when the team defeated Ames on Roosevelt’s homecoming night.

“It was my first win since I started football, and I was overwhelmed with joy,” Abwe said. “I learned not to give up when things get tough; there’s always a rainbow after every storm.”

Junior offensive and defensive lineman Darren Chambers said, “I was mad at first because my varsity spot was confirmed [at Hoover], but I made new friends and learned that no matter how different you are, you can be friends with anyone.”

The season created memories that go beyond the scoreboard, from the first JV win to late-night team bonding at Simpson College. Players said the merger has built a stronger sense of brotherhood among the team.

Roosevelt sophomore David Brooks Jr. reflected on his journey to earn a varsity spot on the team and shared his hardest challenge of the season.

“Nothing was given to me; I had to work for it,” Brooks said. “Football is like life. It requires perseverance, hard work, and dedication. Being consistent was my hardest challenge. Showing up every day, workouts, film, it’s a lot, but I was able to stay consistent through the hard times. Every day in the summer was the real challenge.” 

Hoover senior running back Diyon Berry added that the merger reminded him to keep an open mind on everything. 

“Give everything a chance, even if it seems a little odd. Show everyone who you can and will be,” Berry said.

Hoover junior defensive back Brandon Harrell added, “You’re always going to have a challenge in life, you just have to learn how to adapt to it and give it your all.”

Coach Zanders said the partnership has already shown positive results from safety improvements to deeper rosters with more players and even stronger competition for the team. While the long-term future of the combined program has not been finalized, the success of this season suggests the collaboration could continue in the future.

“This decision was made with students at the center,” said Zanders. “It’s about preserving opportunities, promoting safety, and keeping athletes competing at a high level. Roosevelt has been great in this process.”

As for the players, they are not focused on which school’s name is on the scoreboard. They’re focused on one another and the family they have built.

“Every day we play together, we grow into a bigger family,” Chambers said. “And that’s what football’s all about.”