Hopkins Improves with Statement Win

On Saturday, October 2nd the Hopkins Hilltoppers hit the road once again, this time to begin divisional play against the Hackley Hornets of Tarrytown, NY.  From the opening whistle, Hopkins would dominate in all facets of the game and cruised to a strong 34-14 victory.  

 

Hopkins started the game on defense, forcing a quick 3-and-out before taking over possession at their own 41 yard line.  A holding call saw a long Pearson Hill touchdown run negated, but Hopkins would not be held out of the endzone on their opening series.  9 plays and 69 yards later, the Hilltoppers would punch it in the endzone on a quick Luke O’Connell ‘23 to Pearson Hill ‘23 screen pass from 1 yard out.  A Charlie Wich ‘22 extra point later, and it would remain 7-0 in favor of Hopkins.  Hopkins defense produced a similar result on their second drive, forcing negative yardage and another 3-and-out punting opportunity.  Hopkins' second offensive series began on Hackley’s 44 yard line, and after driving deep inside Hackley’s 10 yard line the series would stall and Hopkins would attempt a field goal.  On the completed Hopkins field goal, a personal foul penalty was called on Hackley resulting in a Hopkins first down inside of the 5 yard line.  Instead of going ahead 10-0, Pearson Hill would run it in on the next play from 4 yards out to make it 14-0 (after a converted Wich extra-point).  Continuing with their strong defensive play, Ezra Fearon ‘24 picked off the Hornets on their third offensive possession, setting the Hilltoppers up on the opposing 43 yard line.  One deep pass later from Luke O’Connell to Carson Hill ‘24, the Hilltoppers extended their lead to 21-0.  Hackley put together a strong drive late in the second quarter, but two bad snaps resulted in a punting situation and gave the ball back to the Hilltoppers in their own territory.  An illegal formation penalty wiped a 60 yard Carson Hill touchdown run off the board, but 3 plays later Luke O’Connell would connect yet again with Pearson Hill on a short screen play, breaking multiple tackles on his way to a 53 yard touchdown pass.  A converted Charlie Wich extra point left the score at 28-0 heading into the half.  

With Hopkins maintaining a large lead, they were able to run the ball and eat clock for most of the 3rd quarter.  Hopkins began the second half on offense and matriculated the ball down the field over the first 10 minutes of the quarter.  While the Hilltoppers would not punch the ball in the endzone on that drive, they would capitalize on a Hornets miscue early in the 4th quarter.  Facing a 1st and 10 at Hopkins 25 yard line, CJ Maiurro ‘22 tipped the Hornets pass and Pearson Hill returned the interception for a 79 yard pick-6, cementing the Hilltoppers scoring at 34.  Hopkins younger players saw the field for the rest of the game, conceding two late Hackley touchdowns to make it 34-14 at the final whistle.

This was a game that Hopkins needed to win coming off two tough losses.  With the win Hopkins improves to 1-2 on the season and 1-0 in divisional play.  The Hilltoppers will once again hit the road to play Poly Prep this upcoming weekend, who stand at 3-0 on the season and 1-0 in league play.  We hope our fans are able to meet us in Brooklyn for what is bound to be a tightly contested matchup!