Holy, Daniel Baneham

It was the game-changing play of Hoover’s 44-14 victory against Glendale on October 26th.

Just as about Glendale High was about to tie the score in the final seconds of the second quarter, Baneham picked off a pass and returned it 99 yards for a score, changing the momentum of the game and giving Hoover a 14-0 lead as the Tornados went on to win their first Victory Bell since 2017.

The Tornado Times talked to Baneham and others about the one play that defined the game.

Leading Up To The Play:

Baneham, playing linebacker on the play: “I was expecting a pass. When the QB dropped back, I was watching the run and I took my first step forward but after I saw him drop back, I dropped behind the receiver. When I saw the QB come out and do a jump pass I just ran through it and I just tried to grab the ball as fast as I could.”

Hoover linebacker Armen Tovmasyan: “We were struggling. We were out of breath, but when Daniel caught the ball, it was basically a winning ball.”

Varsity Coach Azad Herabidian: “When he started running down the sidelines, we started clearing the coaches away from the sideline because we’ve had it where referees are running down and they run into a coach and they throw a penalty flag and remove the touchdown.”

The Play:

Hoover defensive back Davion Holloway: “I was scared because the guy that was chasing him was getting a little close so I was scared he would catch up to him, but Baneham put on the jets and took it all the way to the house.”

Hoover linebacker Marco Raygoza: “It was a crazy moment. [There was] a lot of adrenaline rushing seeing him passed the ball and run 99 yards. It was a big moment and play for all of us.”

Hoover defensive back Javon Lymon: “It definitely brought a lot of energy to our crowd. It felt good.”

Baneham: “It felt surreal. All my friends were screaming, and all the coaches were also screaming. It felt like I wasn’t in the moment until it actually ended.”

The Aftermath:

Baneham: “Going into the locker rooms, all the coaches were ecstatic about it. They were all like ‘You changed the momentum of the game.’”

Hoover graduate Frank Higginbotham was on the sideline for the play. He sprinted toward the end zone as Baneham ran his way for the score.

Higginbotham: “I think that play gave us complete control of Glendale. I mean a pick six like that is absolutely draining for the other team.”

Charles Martinito, a photographer, was also on the sidelines for the play.

Martinito: “I felt like the energy was really boring but after Daniel Baneham caught that ball and ran to the other side, it was so hyped they were like jumping and stuff.”

Baneham’s mom, Aisling, was in the stands for the play, watching the play with the Baneham family.

Aisling Baneham: “We feel so proud of Daniel and can only hope he continues to be happy and successful in life.”