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Hilltoppers Defeat Fieldston in OT, Securing MIFL Bowl Championship!
On Saturday, November 8, under the lights at SUNY Purchase College, the Hopkins Hilltoppers delivered an unforgettable performance to capture the Metropolitan Independent Football League Bowl Championship.
In a dramatic, physical, and emotional showdown with the Fieldston Eagles, Hopkins battled through regulation and sealed the title in overtime, winning 20–14.
From the opening whistle, it was clear this would be a heavyweight fight. Defensive pressure and disciplined tackling from both sides kept the first quarter scoreless, until Maurice E. ’27 broke free early in the second quarter on a determined 6-yard run to put Hopkins in front. Daniel H. ’28 added the extra point, giving the Hilltoppers a 7–0 lead that held into halftime.
Hopkins struck again in the second half. Quarterback Tommy C. ’27 found Cole B. ’27 down the right sideline, evading the Fieldston defense for a 30-yard catch-and-run touchdown, extending the lead to 14–0 and electrifying the Hopkins sideline.
But Fieldston refused to fade. The Eagles answered with two huge momentum-swinging plays — a 68-yard scrambling touchdown by their quarterback and an 80-yard punt return — tying the game at 14 and setting up a tense final quarter.
That’s when the Hilltoppers defense rose to the moment.
Marcus R. ’26 forced a fumble recovered by Maurice E., then later delivered a clutch interception in the final minutes to halt a Fieldston drive and send the game to overtime with momentum on Hopkins’ side.
In overtime, the defense delivered yet again. On Fieldston’s opening possession, Tommy O. ’26 stormed through the line for his second sack of the night, forcing a long field goal attempt. On the kick, Tommy O — with a strong push from Chris L. ’26 — blocked the attempt, sending the Hopkins sideline into a frenzy.
Now needing only one score to win, Hopkins wasted no time. On the third play of the drive, Maurice E. ’27 took the pitch outside left, turned upfield, and powered into the end zone — and the celebration was on. The Hilltoppers stormed the field as Hopkins was crowned the 2025 MIFL Bowl Champions.
This championship was the perfect conclusion to a season defined by resilience and belief. After starting 0–3, Hopkins surged to win five of their final six to finish at 5–4 and claim the Bowl Championship.
Thank you to all family, friends, and supporters who backed the Hilltoppers every step of the way.
Go Hop!
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Hopkins is a private middle school and high school for grades 7-12. Located on a campus overlooking New Haven, CT, the School takes pride in its intellectually curious students as well as its dedicated faculty and staff.
Hopkins School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.