Hilltoppers Take Homecoming over MKA, 22-12

Under rainy skies, the Hopkins Hilltoppers hosted the Montclair-Kimberley Academy Cougars on Saturday afternoon for Hopkins’ 2023 Homecoming weekend.  With many games going on and fans scattered around campus, Hopkins prevailed for their first win of the season to take down the Cougars 22-12.

The game started off slow for the Hilltoppers who struggled to find their offensive footing in the first half.  A combination of penalties and stalled drives hurt Hopkins early on, as the Cougars connected for a 22 yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter to set the score at 6-0.  On the extra point, Eli Ratner ‘24 shot through the middle of the line to block the PAT, so the score stayed at 6-0 heading into halftime.  Coming out of halftime, the Hilltoppers were able to recollect themselves and made key plays to find their way to victory.  After forcing a quick 3 and out on MKA’s first offensive possession of the second half, Hopkins would need only three plays to find the endzone when Rocco DeMaio ‘26 connected with Matias Vece ‘24 for a 64 yard catch and run for the touchdown.  Ratner’s extra point put the score 7-6 in Hopkins favor, and we were in for a battle in the second half.  After forcing a punt on MKA’s next possession, Hopkins muffed the recovery deep in their own territory and the Cougars were quick to respond with another touchdown strike to make it 12-7.  Hopkins held strong on the 2 point play to keep it a 5 point game, which was clutch later in the game.  The Hilltoppers took the ball at the start of the 4th quarter and methodically drove the ball down the field behind steady runs from Maurice Ellis ‘27 and Matt Goos ‘25.  Facing first and goal from the 3 yard line, Maurice Ellis ran into the endzone to make it 13-12, and his ensuing 2-point conversion made it 15-12 in Hopkins favor.  Hopkins defense forced another quick 3 and out to get the ball back midway through the 4th quarter before a 35 yard Matt Goos touchdown run put the game away for good (to add to his first half interception).  Ratner’s extra point set the scoring at 22-12, and that’s where the score would remain when the final whistles blew.  Hopkins' defense turned the ball over again when Will Hensel ‘24 picked off a late 4th quarter Cougar’s pass, and the game ended on a Hopkins sack by Tommy O’Connell ‘26.  

This was a welcome win for the Hilltoppers who were excited to celebrate in front of the Homecoming crowd.  They will have to refocus quickly as they prepare for their upcoming road trip this upcoming Saturday to face the Rye Country Day Wildcats.  Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00pm and we hope to see many of our fans in attendance!