Hopkins Battles Back, but Falls to LuHi

On Saturday, October 8th, Hopkins headed down I-95 to Long Island Lutheran for their 5th game of the regular season.  This was a matchup of last year’s championship game, so the Hilltoppers knew that LuHi would come out ready for a fight.

Hopkins started the game on shaky footing, as their punt after their opening possession resulted in a return for a touchdown in LuHi’s favor.  LuHi would score two more times to extend the lead to 20-0 late in the first quarter.  On Hopkins 4th offensive possession, they put together a nice drive on deep connections between Luke O’Connell ‘23 to Ezra Fearon ‘24 and Will Hensel ‘24 before setting up inside LuHi’s 10 yard line.  On 4th and goal from the 5, O’Connell rolled out and hit Andy Toft ‘24 in the back of the endzone for the score.  Miko Coakley ‘23 converted extra point made it 20-7 just before the second quarter.  Despite the positive momentum from that drive, LuHi would score 2 more times before the end of the second quarter to make it 34-7 at halftime.  

After a scoreless 3rd quarter and early 4th quarter score by LuHi to make it 41-7, Hopkins offense really came alive in the final quarter.  Hopkins offense was helped out by a big 55 yard pass completion from O’Connell to Gabe Ciminiello ‘26 to set the Hilltoppers up at LuHi’s 15 yard line.  One play later, O’Connell found Hensel in the endzone to close the gap to 41-15 (after Charlie Scott ‘26 converted the 2-point play).  On the next play from scrimmage, Eli Ratner ‘24 intercepted the Lutheran pass and gave the Hilltoppers possession on the opposing 40 yard line.  9 plays later, Hopkins would pass it in again from 3 yards out from O’Connell to Hensel who reeled the ball in with one hand (his second touchdown catch of the day).  A Coakley extra point made it 41-22 with just over 4 minutes left in the 4th.  On Lutheran’s next offensive possession, Hopkins defense would make another huge play, this time by Jack Laganza ‘24.  He rushed off the edge, sacking the quarterback while stripping the ball, then recovered the ball and rushed in the endzone from 15 yards out for the score.  Trailing 41-27, Hopkins attempted a successful “onsides kick” (in the MIFL, to attempt an “onside kick” a team may attempt a 4th and 12 play from their own 40 yard line after a score with under 2 minutes remaining in the game) and took over on offense.  Unfortunately, this was a case of the clock working against the Hilltoppers and Hopkins would fall to Lutheran 41-28.

To see highlights from the game, please CLICK HERE

This was an encouraging second half for the Hilltoppers, and while they left with a loss there were definitely things to build on moving forward into our last regular season game and postseason play.  Hopkins will host Rye Country Day this Saturday at 1:00pm for our annual Senior Game, and we hope to see many of our family and friends in attendance!