Cousins Adams, Hook hope to lead Mount Vernon to state championship

MOUNT VERNON — The backyard games of catch were numerous.

Drew Adams and Tommy Hook live about a mile apart in Mount Vernon. Their moms are sisters, so they'd get together and play virtually every weekend.

Drew's younger brother, Sam, usually made it a trio.

'Our families are very close,' Hook said. 'Almost every weekend, I'd see him. As kids, we'd do whatever kids do. Instead of hanging out with friends, I'd hang out with him and Sam.'

'Definitely with our families being so close, I'd see Tommy every weekend. I see him every day in school. We spend holidays together. We have always had a really good relationship, almost like brothers.'

These cousins (or brothers) have their most important game of catch Monday afternoon when their Mount Vernon football team plays Spirit Lake in the Class 2A state championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:06 p.m.

It's been quite a ride for everyone, especially Adams and Hook. Adams took over at quarterback as a freshman early last season, when Hook was felled by a concussion.

After some debating, Hook decided to play again this season, though as a wide receiver on offense. He has caught 40 passes, including eight for touchdowns, from his cousin, who has shattered every school passing record.

Adams came into the semifinals completing 60 percent of his passes for 2,800 yards and 30 TDs. Mount Vernon shocked top-ranked Albia in last week's semis.

The Mustangs (11-2) get another undefeated team Monday in Spirit Lake (13-0).

'I really like receiver,' Hook said. 'It takes the pressure off. You can just play the game. That's not to say I don't like the pressure, but there is a lot of it as a quarterback. Honestly, wide receiver is more fun for me. Drew has done such a great job of getting all of us the ball ... It's a lot more fun when you have a quarterback that can get you the ball.'

'I know Tommy is glad he went out this year,' Adams said. 'He's doing an awesome job. It is kind of weird throwing to him but definitely nice. We've been hanging around together for a long time. Everyone knew he was talented enough to play another position.'

Mount Vernon Coach Lance Pedersen is proud of the way both of these kids have played.

'Drew has just done an amazing job all season,' he said. 'We threw him into the fire last season. He has grown since then and become a great leader.

'Tommy jumped in with both feet learning to become a receiver. We just thought it would be a better situation for him, with his concussions. He is a great leader, a mentor to Drew and the younger players.'

Mount Vernon will be a decided underdog Monday, but that's a position it is used to.

'It sounds cliche, but every guy on our team believes we can win every game,' Hook said. 'Last year, that wasn't the case.'

'We have to win all three phases of the football game,' Pedersen said. 'That's offense, defense and special teams.'

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