Late Rally Falls Short, Hopkins Drops Opener

On the 20^th anniversary of September 11^th, the Hopkins Hilltoppers travelled down I-95 to face off against the Long Island Lutheran Crusaders.  This was the second straight game that the Hilltoppers and Crusaders faced off, coming on the heels of a 13-12 Championship loss to end the 2019 season.  Hopkins was ready to show they were an improved team from 2 years ago, but unfortunately, a Hilltoppers rally would fall short, leaving the Hilltoppers down 14-20 as time expired.

Hopkins got off to a shaky start on offense, quickly going 3-and-out before the Crusaders would take a line-drive punt back 62 yards for the opening score.  Charlie Wich ‘22 would get pressure up the middle to block the PAT, leaving the score at 6-0.  The Hilltoppers and Crusaders traded possessions throughout most of the first half with each team unable to find much offensive footing.  Hopkins defense was anchored in the first half with strong play from CJ Maiurro ‘22 (2 sacks), Pearson Hill ‘23 (a forced and recovered fumble) and Charlie Wich.

As the second half began, Long Island Lutheran quickly got to work marching the ball down the field.  With the ball at Hopkins 9 yard line, Charlie Wich forced the RB to fumble and Pearson Hill scooped the ball running untouched the other way for a 91 yard touchdown.  After a Wich extra point, Hopkins lead 7-6.  On Hopkins next offensive possession, they saw a 30 yard touchdown completion from Luke O’Connell ‘23 to Carson Hill ’24 wiped off the board for an offensive holding call.  The Crusaders used this momentum to their advantage, scoring on their next 2 possessions to go up 20-7.  While the Hilltoppers offense was struggling, the defense came up with a big play on a Jason Diaz ’25 forced fumble and recovery midway through the 4^th quarter.  After driving the ball down the field, Luke O’Connell would successfully connect with Carson Hill from 7 yards out to make it 20-14.  Hopkins defense would force another takeaway, this time as Ethan Piazza ’22 stripped the ball carrier and David Buckley ‘22 returned the ball 21 yards into Crusaders territory.  On Hopkins final offensive drive, they drove the ball down to the goal line after key completions to Carson Hill and Matt Diaz ’23.  Facing 4^th and goal from the 1 yard line, Hopkins attempted a pass to the middle of the end zone which fell incomplete, finalizing the score at 20-14.

To see highlights from the game, CLICK HERE.

This was another brutal finish versus Long Island Lutheran, putting the Hilltoppers at 0-1 to start the season.  This Saturday, they kick off play on home turf, facing off against the Greenwich Country Day Tigers.  This is GCDS’ first year with a varsity football program and their first year playing in the Metropolitan Independent Football League.  Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30am, and the Hilltoppers look forward to welcoming a strong home crowd!