Mike Vukovcan The Hopewell Junior High Football team kicked off their season against Cornell in a thriller that came down to the final minute. Despite a hard-fought battle, the Vikings fell just short, 32-28.
Hopewell opened strong, nearly connecting on multiple passes in the end zone but Cornell struck first, capitalizing on a turnover to go up, 6-0.
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Cornell then added another defensive score to extend their lead to 12-0.
But the Vikings didn’t flinch- quarterback Nico Amadio connected with Roman Crisci before finding Vin Smetana for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 12-6 at halftime.
Early in the second half, Hopewell’s defense pounced on a Cornell fumble, which was recovered by Josiah Persi-Jones.
The Hopewell offensive line led by Cameron Klacic was able to give Amadio enough time for a 40-yard TD pass to Smetana, which tied the game 12-12.
Then Hopewell’s defense, led by a key tackle from Christian Kleckner, continued to fight, but Cornell answered with two more scores, including a big punt return to make it 26-12.
Hopewell got back in the game as Amadio hit Smetana for another touchdown and then Nico powered in the 2-point conversion to cut the deficit to 26-20.
Cornell scored again to go up 32-20 but Hopewell wasn’t finished as Amadio threw his 4th touchdown pass, this time to Crisci. Following another successful 2-point conversion attempt, Hopewell now trailed just 32-28.
Hopewell kicker Kaleb Gonzalez then attempted an on-side kick, but Cornell managed to secure the ball land ran out the clock to pick up the win.
Hopewell Junior High Football
HOPEWELL STATISTICS:
-RB Jake Durkin: 5 carries for 50 yards
-QB Nico Amadio: 13 of 18 for 227 yards passing, 78 yards rushing, 4 touchdowns
-WR Vin Smetana: 5 catches, 3 TD’s
-WR Roman Crisci: 3 catches, 1 TD
-WR Kaleb Gonzalez: 1 catch, 15 yards
Hopewell is next in action on Wednesday at home against Carlynton.
