Hopkins Upends Fieldston, Improves to 2-2

On a crisp October afternoon, the Hopkins Hilltoppers played host to division opponent Fieldston Eagles for their second home game of the season. After dropping the past two games, the Hilltoppers were hungry to rebound and right the ship, and on this day, they came out ready to play. Hopkins controlled the game from start to finish and ended with a score of 35-8.

Right from the opening kickoff, the Hilltoppers were eager to prove they have moved on from earlier lapses in the season and were ready to compete in to MIFL. On Fieldston’s second play of the game, Matt Diaz ’23 ripped the ball from the Eagles’ running back and he promptly fell on it to recover the ball for Hopkins. 3 plays and 41 yards later, Hopkins would punch the ball in the endzone on a 6-yard Pearson Hill ’23 run around the left side. Hopkins missed the extra point to make it 6-0, but Hopkins felt like they were just warming up. Fieldston’s second drive ended in a 3 and out, and on their third offensive series Mike Lau intercepted a tipped pass and returned the ball into Fieldston territory. 3 plays after the interception, Pearson Hill rushed around the left side once again (this time from 41 yards out) for his second score of the game, and Mike Lau hauled in the 2-point try to make it 14-0 Hopkins. Hopkins and Fieldston traded possessions for most of the second quarter, until Hopkins fifth offensive saw them find the endzone once again. This time, Phil DeLise scrambled outside the pocket and maneuvered his way into the endzone for a 6 yard touchdown to make it 21-0 in Hopkins favor shortly before the half. Fieldston’s offense would put together one more drive before the half, but a timely Brandon Smith ’20 sack as well as an interception in the endzone by Pearson Hill would stall the drive and keep the difference at 21.

Hopkins started the second half on uneasy footing, which saw them surrender an onside kick recovery to start the action. After a strong defensive series, Hopkins offense took over once again and saw Pearson Hill rush in his 3^rd touchdown of the game, this time from 55 yards away, and made the score 28-0. With much of the 3^rd quarter remaining in the game, Pearson would make one more scoring opportunity for himself, this time in the form of a 90 yard forced fumble, recovery, and touchdown return (capping Hopkins scoring at 35 points). It was Hopkins first defensive touchdown in over 3 seasons and easily one of the highlights of the season thus far. His four-touchdown performance, combined with an interception, forced fumble, and fumble recovery on the defensive side, is certainly a game he will remember for years to come. Hopkins defense forced another late interception, this time by John Stanley ’21, to make it 5 takeaways on the day for the defense (3 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries). Much credit can be given to the defensive line (Charlie Wich ’22, Brandon Smith, Ben Jenkins ’22, Chris Babyak ’21) for being disruptive and in the Fieldston quarterbacks’ face all game, as well as the offensive line (Babyak, Spencer Cipriano ’21, Smith, Wich, Jenkins) for opening lanes for Hopkins running backs.

Highlights from the game can be found HERE

The win moves Hopkins record to 2-2 (1-1 in league play), and they will look to improve on that next Saturday when they face Riverdale (4-1, 2-0 in league play). The game will kick off at 2pm and we hope to see many of our family and friends supporting the Hilltoppers. This is also homecoming week, so be sure to bring the energy!