Hopkins Handles Poly Prep, Begins Homestand at 2-2

For the 4th time in 5 weeks, the Hilltoppers hit I-95 once again, this time to travel down to Brooklyn to take on the Poly Prep Blue Devils.  After back to back heart-wrenching defeats at the hands of Poly Prep in 2018 and 2019, the Hilltoppers had it in their mind that they would set the tone early and often, this time leaving victorious to the score of 23-6.  

After a healthy 2.5 hour bus ride, the Hilltoppers started the night on defense.  Hopkins defense was on point early on, forcing a quick 3-and-out and giving the ball back to Hopkins offense.  Much of the first half would remain a defensive stalemate between the two teams, exchanging punts and field possession with a timely turnover.  On Poly’s second offensive series, Ezra Fearon ‘24 jumped an out-route, intercepting the pass and giving the Hilltoppers possession at the Blue Devil’s 37 yard line.  Although the Hilltoppers could not punch the ball into the endzone, they converted on a Charlie Wich ‘23 21-yard field goal to put Hopkins ahead 3-0.  More strong defensive plays were made by Mikey Lau ‘23 (who finished the day with 2 sacks and 2 TFLs) and Jayson Diaz ‘25 (3 TFLs) to stymie Poly Prep’s offensive attack, and a late Hopkins drive set the Hilltoppers to score just before halftime.  2 timely completions from Luke O’Connell ‘23 to Carson Hill ‘24 (29 yards) and Pearson Hill ‘23 (20 yards) set the ball up from Poly’s 10 yard line with 10 second remaining.  Facing an all-out blitz, O’Connell hit Carson Hill in the back right corner of the endzone for the 10 yard touchdown.  A missed two-point conversion set the score at 9-0 heading into halftime.

On Hopkins first play from series to start the 3rd quarter, Pearson Hill evaded two Poly Prep defenders in the backfield and sprinted around the right end for a 65-yard touchdown run to give Hopkins the 15-0 advantage.  Poly would not quit though, returning an ill-timed Hopkins interception to the Hilltoppers 6 yard line.  2 plays later, Poly would run it in to cut the deficit to 15-6.  A missed Poly extra point kept the Hilltoppers advantage at 9 points and remained a 2-possession game.  On Poly’s next offensive possession, this time the Hilltoppers would force their second interception of the game as Ethan Piazza ‘23 jumped a seam route and returned the ball to Poly’s 20 yard line.  2 Pearson Hill run’s later, and Hopkins would score once again, this time converting the two-point try on an O’Connell to Matt Diaz ‘23 pass to cement the score at 23-6.  Up 17 points with less than 6 minutes remaining on the clock, the Hilltoppers advantage would prove too much to overcome and they would leave Brooklyn victorious.

To see highlights from the game- CLICK HERE

The win evens Hopkins record up at 2-2 on the season and remains 2-0 in division play.  After what feels like an eternity on I-95, Hopkins will host their next game at home against division opponent Rye Country Day.  Rye is 2-1 on the season, coming off a league win over Fieldston, and is 1-1 in divisional play after an early loss to division rival Poly Prep in week 2.  This is also our homecoming weekend and we hope to see a great turnout at the game.  Go Hop!