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Hopewell Junior High Football Powers Past Keystone Oaks, 22-8

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 2 minutes read

DORMONT– The Hopewell Vikings Junior High Football team continued their strong season last night with a commanding 22-8 win on the road at Keystone Oaks.

From the opening drive, the Vikings set the tone on both sides of the ball and never looked back.

On the first series of the game, quarterback Nico Amadio connected with Vin Smetana for a quick first down before Amadio broke free on the very next play for the game’s first touchdown. Hopewell then added to the score with a successful 2-point conversion attempt as Obie McNutt powered it in, giving Hopewell an early 8-0 lead.


Hopewell’s defense then wasted no time making an impact. Kruz Krotec picked off a Keystone Oaks pass to swing the possession back to the Vikings, though the offense couldn’t capitalize on that drive they would soon be able to get more points on the board. By the way, that was Krotec’s second consecutive game with an interception.

The defense held strong on KO’s second possession and Hopewell’s special team’s unit came up big as Smetana returned a punt all the way to the endzone for a touchdown. Hopewell extended their lead to 14-0.

The Vikings then broke the game wide open as later in the game, McCutt took a handoff and raced to the endzone for a touchdown. Hopewell went for two and were successful as Smetana powered his way into the endzone, extending the lead to 22-0.

Hopewell went into halftime with a 22-0 thanks to strong play on the defensive side, highlighted by a sack by Josia Persi-Jones and a nice tackle for loss by Kaleb Gonzalez.

The second half opened with more strong special teams play as Gonzalez boomed a perfect punt that KO had a hard time handling and Hopewell ended up recovering the fumble.

Other Hopewell highlights in the second half included strong running by Jacob Durkin as well as interceptions by McNutt and Roman Crisci.

With the win, Hopewell improved their record to 2-1 and will next be in action next Wednesday at home against Western Beaver. Kickoff from Tony Dorsett Stadium is at 6:30 PM.

Hopewell Vikings 2025 JH Football Team

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Hopewell JH Football

WATCH- Incredible, One-Handed TD Catch by Hopewell’s Kaleb Gonzalez

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 0 minutes read

Hopewell football fans have seen plenty of touchdowns and exciting plans during this 2025 season.

Last night, fans at Tony Dorsett Stadium saw the nicest touchdown of 2025 as Kaden Gonzalez pulled down a one-handed touchdown catch from Nico Amadio in the Hopewell Junior High game against Carlynton.

Check out this spectacular catch.

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Hopewell JH Football

Hopewell Jr. High Football Secures First Win Against Carlynton

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 2 minutes read

Hopewell Township– The Hopewell Junior High Football team picked up their first victory of the season with a dominant performance over Carlynton, powered by a balanced offensive attack and a lockdown defense.

The crowd at Tony Dorsett Stadium had plenty to cheer about as the Vikings set the tone early and never looked back, walking away with a 27-6 win.

Hopewell wasted no time getting on the board. Running back Obie McNutt and quarterback Nico Amadio quickly showcased the running game, with McNutt gaining a quick first down before Amadio broke loose to the 15-yard line. After McNutt picked up another 7 yards, Amadio finished the drive with a touchdown run. The 2-point conversation wasn’t successful, but Hopewell had the early 6-0 lead.

Carlynton would respond with a long pass however a costly penalty pushed them back and Hopewell’s defense stepped up to stop any further yardage.

The momentum shifted further in Hopewell’s favor when Kruz Krotec came up with a big interception. After that, with steady runs and short passes from Amadio and McNutt, the Vikings would add to their lead. Amadio punched in his second touchdown of the night, then connected with McNutt for the two-point conversion to make it 14-0 at halftime.

Hopewell continued to dominate in the second half. Amadio showed off his arm by finding Kaleb Gonzalez in the corner of the endzone, where Gonzalez made an ESPN SportsCenter Top 10 play, by pulling in a one-handed catch. Gonzalez then was able to convert the extra point to extend the lead to 21-0.

Hopewell’s defense wasn’t done making plays. Grey Mcilvain recovered a fumble in the end zone to add another touchdown. The PAT was wide, but the Vikings cushion grew to 27-0.

Carlynton managed to break through for a 4th quarter touchdown but that’s all the Hopewell defense would allow the rest of the game.

FINAL SCORE: HOPEWELL 27 CARLYNTON 6 

After the game, VSN was able to get postgame thoughts from Hopewell HC Josh Anderson.

“Defensively, our boys were flawless and executed the game plan and played within their capabilities and not in their fears. Paul Moskes, Josia Persi-Jones, Grey Mcilvain and Christian Kleckner played the defensive line perfectly. I told them the whole game can be won with them up front and they showed that. Our linebackers and defensive backs responded to all challenges that were presented to them. Overall, we played great and are ready to move on to next week. I am extremely proud of these boys,” said Anderson.

The Hopewell Junior High football teams next game will be on September 18th at Keystone Oaks.

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Hopewell JH Football

Amadio Throws 4 TD Passes; Hopewell Loses Season Opener 32-28

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 1 minutes read

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.

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.

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