Hilltoppers Power Past Horace Mann 30–6 to Reach MIFL Bowl Championship

On Saturday, November 1, the Hopkins Hilltoppers hit the road to the Bronx for an MIFL semifinal showdown with the Horace Mann Lions. The Hilltoppers arrived ready to play and delivered a commanding 30–6 victory to advance to the MIFL Bowl Championship.

Hopkins struck first, as Cole B. ’27 powered into the end zone from 10 yards out to make it 6–0 heading into the second quarter. After stopping the Lions short on a 4th-and-1 attempt, the Hilltoppers capitalized quickly—Tommy C. ’27 connected with Dylan G. ’27 for a 13-yard touchdown, and Daniel H. ’28 added the extra point to extend the lead to 13–0. Just before halftime, Daniel H. drilled a 25-yard field goal to make it 16–0, though Horace Mann managed a late touchdown to trim the deficit to 16–6 at the break.

In the second half, Hopkins’ defense took control, forcing multiple takeaways that stifled any Lions comeback hopes. Marcus R. ’26 intercepted a pass deep in Horace Mann territory to set up the offense, and early in the fourth quarter, Maurice E. ’27 broke through for a 19-yard rushing touchdown to stretch the lead to 23–6. The Hilltoppers sealed the win in emphatic fashion when Dylan G. ’27 intercepted passes on consecutive series, returning the second one 63 yards for a pick-six to close out the 30–6 victory.

With the win, Hopkins advances to the MIFL Bowl Championship, where they will face Fieldston School at 4:00 p.m. on November 8 at SUNY Purchase College Athletic Fields. The winner will be crowned the 2025 MIFL Bowl Champion, so come out and support your Hilltoppers in their final game of the season!