Site News

For the fourth consecutive week, our website has increased its traffic for the week.

After barely climbing over 4,000 views a week ago, Vikings Sports Now had a total of over 4,800 page views this past week.

Thanks Hopewell for supporting what we’re doing!

Here were the five stories that received the most views. None of these stories were done by copy and pasting from a Facebook post or from someone’s email.

#1 More National Recognition for Hopewell QB James Armstrong

More National Recognition for Hopewell QB James Armstrong

2) Hopewell HS Boys Basketball Receives No. 5 seed, Playoff Opponent Announced

Hopewell HS Boys Basketball Receives No. 5 Seed, Playoff Opponent Announced

3) Athletic Trainer Lauren Linn, A Critical Member of Hopewell Sports

Athletic Trainer Lauren Linn, A Critical Member of Hopewell Sports

4) WATCH: Celebration Inside the Hopewell Vikings Locker Room

WATCH: Celebration Inside the Hopewell Vikings Locker Room

5) Justin Shegog A Huge Addition to the 2025-26 Hopewell Boys Basketball Program

Justin Shegog A Huge Addition to the 2025-26 Hopewell Boys Basketball Program

A little over one year ago, I made the decision to start over and re-start an idea that I came up with 2 years ago.

With the newspaper business all but defunct and with no other media outlet to get information out to the public, I felt it was important for residents in our community of Hopewell to have a place to go for sports information.

Not just high school sports and not exclusive to football and basketball but as many sports as we could report on involving boys and girls in youth sports, junior high and high school. Not only did we want to report on the game results but also wanted to let you know about the tremendous accomplishments of our athletes in Hopewell as well you getting to know them in feature stories.

With all of this in mind came the start of Vikings Sports Now, which was launched one year ago today.

Over the last 365 days, VSN has done our best to keep you informed on the happenings in Hopewell sports as well as report on the male and female student athletes.

The thing that I’m proudest of is that we’ve done our best to be visible in the community and at as many events as we can. We don’t just get our stories off Facebook or from coaches and copy and paste information, VSN attends games/matches and actually talk to the coaches and athletes.

Would we like to cover more events? Sure. However, in the past year, considering we don’t have a huge staff, VSN has done a very good spreading out our coverage and reporting on various Hopewell teams and athletes.

I’d like to thank a few people in particular for the help that they’ve given this website over the last year, without you, we wouldn’t have been able to accomplish some of the things we’ve done.

Thank you to Lillian Otto, Jessica Gonzalez and Chris Otto. Your help has been invaluable. Lillian joined VSN early on as a student writer and has stuck with us and done a tremendous job covering various sports. Since she’s only a freshman, I’m hoping she’ll stick with us for a few more years! Chris and Jessica, you’ve been a huge asset, thank you!

Would also like to thank some of the coaches at Hopewell that have made my life a lot easier by assisting me with information and details, which allow me to write stories. Also, for your help in getting me in touch with your athletes to interview.

I’m hoping I don’t miss anyone but thank you to Hopewell coaches Matt Mottes, Doug Biega, Jeff Homziak, Jeff Brunton, Terry Borkovic, Kathi Lopez, Stan Magusiak and Morgan Singletary.

Last but not least, to the businesses that have been with Vikings Sports Now as sponsors. The truth is that without the help that VSN has received from the community has allowed us to exist. I can tell you with 100% certainty without this help and generosity, there wouldn’t be a Vikings Sports Now. These businesses have allowed me to employee and pay writers, pay photographers, sponsor teams at the high school, pay for team dinners, assist teams with certain things, pay for broadcasters for HS football games, sponsor events in the school like musicals, tickets for Night at the Races, etc.

This is the No.1 reason why you see me actively looking for sponsors. I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT IT”S NOT FOR PERSONAL GAIN as most of the money VSN takes in goes back out for things such as this and not in my bank account.

With that in mind, thank you to the following businesses and business owners for trusting me to become a valuable member of our website.

I’d like to start by recognizing two people in particular, who have been with me for well over a year and before the launch of VSN:

*Mike Shutak, owner of Shulligan’s Bar and Grille. Is one of the most generous people that I’ve ever met. You’re not just a business partner but a friend. Shulligan’s not only serves great food but has events like Trivia Night, Open Mics, Live Bands, etc.

*Lisa McCoy, State Farm Insurance Agent. Lisa has been with me from the start, and you probably notice, she’s generous and giving to MANY teams in Hopewell. In need of home and car insurance, please contact McCoy at (724) 498-0630 or insurewithlisa.net.

*Vocelli’s Pizza of Hopewell. Owner Brian Apolito took over as owner and done a tremendous job with the menu, prices and the service. In less than a year, Apolito has made a huge impact in our community with his generosity to not only VSN but other teams and organizations in our community.

*State Representative Rob Matzie. A close personal friend of mine for years, Rob is doing his best and has done a bunch of noteworthy things for Beaver County. Keep up the good work Matz!

*A&S Federal Credit Union. A huge thanks to Gina Huntington and the great members of A&S Federal Credit Union. We do our banking there and from day one have been impressed with their professionalism and ability to take care of our needs. A&S is located at 2090 Broadhead Road and their phone number is (724) 375-0248. A&S Federal Credit Union has been serving our community since 1940.

*Shanna Funwela/Brock Hanna Real Estate Team. VSN was very excited when Shanna and her Coldwell Banker Reality team decided to join VSN. If you are looking to buy or sell, you need to give Funwela a call (412-506-2984) as they’re one of the top real estate teams in Pennsylvania. That’s not job talk, the results show: When you talk to Shanna and Brock, you become their priority and they get the job done for you. Like with many of our sponsors, Funwela is one of the most generous and active people in our community. Thank you Shanna.

*Frank Walker Law: Frank Walker has been a loyal and long-time business partner with my Sports Now Networks. Frank is a great man and founder of Frank Walker Law in Pittsburgh. Walker is one of the most sought-after criminal defense attorneys in Western Pennsylvania due to his reputation for real talk, real experience and real results. Clients choose attorney Walker for representation because of his ability to get the most for his clients. To get in touch with Frank Walker, Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer, call 412-212-3878.

*CCR Painting, LLC:  As we approach the spring and the summer, it’s time to start thinking about getting the inside of your house painted/touch ups. If you’re considering it, Vikings Sports Now highly recommends CCR Painting, LLC for all your painting needs. They are professional, affordable, prompt and reliable! Pictures on the right are work they’ve done for us. They did an amazing job! No one better than Brandon Davis and his staff. You can contact Brandon at 412-583-4356 or email him at ccrpaintingllc@gmail.com

Scott Aguglia Agency: We were so excited when Scott Aguglia Agency decided to join Vikings Sports Now. Scott Aguglia is your local health care agent. Scott takes pride in serving OUR community. He works closely with Highmark and UPMC- for individuals, families and Independent Business Owners like you in our area. Give him a call for any questions or ask for a free Quote TODAY, 724-987-8500.  By the way, you don’t ever want to get into an arm-wrestling contest with this guy, you won’t win! LOL. Thanks Scott!

The Tatalovich Funeral Home and Cremations Services, Inc:  Mr. Tatalovich is family owned and operated and has provided our community with dignified and professional services for the past 57 years.

The compassionate and caring staff at Tatalovich Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All the families that we serve are important to Mr. Tatalovich and his staff. They constantly strive to offer a wider variety of options to each and every one of them. It has been the Tatalovich family’s sincere desire during the hours of one’s greatest sorrow to serve them in a manner which would lighten their burden. The Tatalovich family, “serving your family as their own since 1968′.

TATALOVICH FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE, INC.
2205 McMinn Street
Aliquippa, PA 15001
724-378-7550

3475 Broadhead Road
Monaca, PA 15061
724-317-0433

On a personal note, back in my radio days at WMBA 1460 AM in Ambridge, I remember working with Mr. Tatalovich as he was a very loyal sponsor of our high school football games on the radio. It’s great that 25+ years later, we are once again working together because he’s one of the most respected and trusted names in Beaver County. It was that way back then and it remains that way today.

A’BREWED AWAKENING (COFFEE HOUSE)– Located at 2236 Brodhead Road, owner Barb and her staff are open 7 days a week to serve you. A’Brewed Awakening has more than just great coffee as you can get LATES, MACCHIATOS, ICED COFFEE, CAPPUCCINO, ESPRESSO, FRAPPE’S, TEA, SMOOTHIES. Not only do they have beverages but also have breakfast burritos, muffins, donuts, orams, banana bread, scones, cookies and a lot more. A’Brewed Awakening is a place that I frequently go to in the morning to get out of the house to work at.

Believe it or not, we’ve already completed one month in the year of 2026.

It was a busy month of January for Vikings Sports Now as we wrote 49 stories about various Hopewell boys’ and girls’ teams and athletes.

We don’t advertise ourselves to the public and businesses as a website covering Hopewell sports and then produce just 1 or 2 stories a week, VSN is invested and dedicated to the Hopewell community and its athletes.

For the month of January, VSN received 11,300+ page views, which is encouraging.

Of the 49 stories that we published, these were the 10 stories that received the most views.

10) Rock’s 36 Lead Hopewell Over Ambridge, 93-66

Rock’s 36 Points Lead Hopewell Over Ambridge, 93-66

9) Armstrong and Shegog Lead Hopewell to Win Over Summit Academy

Armstrong and Shegog Lead Hopewell to Win Over Summit Academy

8) Huge Game Tonight: Hopewell Qualifies for Playoffs with a Win

Huge Game Tonight- Hopewell Qualifies for Playoffs With a Win

7) Hopewell HS Boys Basketball Knock Off 1st Place Central Valley, 61-57

Hopewell HS Boys Basketball Knock Off 1st Place Central Valley, 61-57

6) Hopewell 2004 Girls Volleyball Team to be Inducted into the WPIAL Hall of Fame

Hopewell 2004 Girls Volleyball Team to be Inducted into the WPIAL Hall of Fame

5) Meet One of Hopewell’s Most Athletic and Talented Athletes: Brody Rock

Meet One of Hopewell’s Most Athletic and Talented Athletes- Brody Rock

4) Hopewell Competes Hard but Loses to Quaker Valley, 73-56

Hopewell Competes Hard but Loses to Quaker Valley, 73-56

3) The Rebuilding of the Hopewell HS Boys Basketball Program is Clearly Underway

The Rebuild of the Hopewell HS Boys Basketball Program is Clearly Underway

2) New HC Matt Campbell and Penn State Make Another Visit to Hopewell HS

New HC Matt Campbell and Penn State Make Another Visit to Hopewell HS

1) Hopewell Sophomore QB James Armstrong Receives offer from ACC Champions

Hopewell Sophomore QB James Armstrong Receives Offer from ACC Champions

It was an exciting week for the website as Viking Sports Now had a lot of people come to the site to view stories.

This past week was our highest week of traffic (close to 3,500 views) and we had highest week of unique visitors since November.

Thank you and let’s keep the momentum going this week!

Here’s a look at what had people coming to the site as we take a look at our Monday feature, ‘Vikings Sports Now’s 5 Most Viewed Stories of the Week’.

TOP FIVE MOST VIEWED STORIES (January 12-18th).

1 New HC Matt Campbell and Penn State Make Another Visit to Hopewell HS

New HC Matt Campbell and Penn State Make Another Visit to Hopewell HS

2) Hopewell 2004 Girls Volleyball Team to be Inducted into the WPIAL Hall of Fame

Hopewell 2004 Girls Volleyball Team to be Inducted into the WPIAL Hall of Fame

3) Rock’s 36 Points Lead Hopewell Over Ambridge, 93-66

Rock’s 36 Points Lead Hopewell Over Ambridge, 93-66

4) Meet One of Hopewell’s Most Athletic and Talented Athletes- Brody Rock

Meet One of Hopewell’s Most Athletic and Talented Athletes- Brody Rock

5) Armstrong and Shegog Lead Hopewell to Win Over Summit Academy

Armstrong and Shegog Lead Hopewell to Win Over Summit Academy

It’s Monday and the start of another week but also time to take a quick look back at last week.

As we do every Monday, we take a look back at what stories were most popular with you the readers of VSN.

I’d like to thank everyone that helped contribute stories to the site and invite anyone to suggest or send me information on a sporting event that your child is involved in. My e-mail address is mvukovcan@gmail.com or you can text me 724-462-5756.

Here were the five most read stories from last week.

1 Hopewell Competes Hard but Loses to Quaker Valley, 73-56.

Hopewell Competes Hard but Loses to Quaker Valley, 73-56

2) Hopewell HS Boys Basketball Knock Off 1st Place Central Valley, 61-57

Hopewell HS Boys Basketball Knock Off 1st Place Central Valley, 61-57

3) Hopewell Boys JV Basketball Edge Central Valley, 60-59

Hopewell Boys JV Basketball Edge Central Valley, 60-59

4) Hopewell Freshman Basketball Dominates Riverside, 58-21

Hopewell Freshman Basketball Dominates Riverside, 58-21

5) Hopewell Girls Beat Ambridge for 1st Section Win

Hopewell Girls Beat Ambridge for 1st Section Win

Last night, we listed what I believed were the 10 biggest accomplishments by Hopewell athletes/teams in 2025.

Today, we’re going to have another list and this was about individual stories that we published on VSN.

All 468 stories that we wrote this year weren’t game recaps. We attempted to go a bit deeper and talk to our athletes so that you had the opportunity to get to know them.

This was very difficult to narrow down because of how many people we had the pleasure of interviewing.

With that being said, here what I selected as our Top 15 Individual Stories from 2025. (These are not ranked)

1) Get to Know the Leader of the Hopewell Track and Field Program- Jeff Brunton

Get to Know the Leader of the Hopewell Track and Field Program- Jeff Brunton

2) Victoria Mann/Kara Barkovich Want to End Hopewell Careers Making More Memories

Victoria Mann and Kara Barkovich Want to End Hopewell Careers Making More Memories

3) Allison Ramaley- One of the Hardest Working Student Athletes at Hopewell HS

Allison Ramaley- One of the Hardest Working Student/Athletes at Hopewell High School

4) Hopewell’s Alana Covalt Putting in the Work to Shine

Hopewell’s Alana Covalt Putting in the Work to Shine

5) Hopewell Has Helped Nick Hoth Serve His Country

Hopewell Has Helped Nick Hoth Serve His Country

6) Hopewell’s Ava Ray is Small in Size but a Giant in Heart and Compete Level

Hopewell’s Ava Ray is Small in Size but a Giant in Heart and Compete Level

7) Emma Palmieri Inspires Greatness On and Off the Track

Emma Palmieri Inspires Greatness On and Off the Track

8) Hopewell’s Ava Yoder Living Out a Life-Long Passion- Swimming!

Hopewell’s Ava Yoder Living Out a Life-Long Passion- Swimming!

9) The Shell Legacy at Hopewell Continues!

The Shell Legacy at Hopewell Continues!

10) Introducing You to New Hopewell 7th Grade Baseball Coach BJ Rankin

Introducing You to New Hopewell 7th Grade Baseball Coach BJ Rankin

11) The Sirianni Family Created Life-Long Memories at the Super Bowl

The Sirianni Family Created Life-Long Memories at the Super Bowl

12) Hopewell’s Charlie Smetana Working and Improving to Achieve Ultimate Goal

Hopewell’s Charlie Smetana Working and Improving to Achieve Ultimate Goal

13) Hopewell Senior Golfer Mason LaSala’s Incredible Journey

Hopewell Senior Golfer Mason LaSala’s Incredible Journey

14) Alyssa Spang Reflects on Hopewell Career, Looks Forward to the Future

Alyssa Spang Reflects on Hopewell Career, Looks Forward to the Future

15) Former Hopewell Star Volleyball Player Abby Oldham Having Breakout Season at W&J

Former Hopewell Star Volleyball Player Abby Oldham Having Breakout Season at W&J

We’re coming to the end of the calendar year, so I wanted to look back at the previous year.

After we re-launched the website in February and changed things over to Vikings Sports Now, we have written 648 stories on athletes and teams in Hopewell.

Whether it was youth sports, junior high, high school or former Hopewell athletes, VSN did our best to keep you updated on what was happening in our township.

As I looked back and scanned through the stories, we had a lot of great things happening both with our teams and with individual athletes.

This wasn’t an easy thing to rank but I did my best. I’m not going to list them in order, instead I’ll just list what I feel were the Top 10 Biggest Stories in Hopewell from 2025.

Top 10 Biggest Stories in Hopewell from 2025:

*These are not ranked in order; I’m just listing the 10 biggest stories.

1) Hopewell Girls Volleyball Team wins the section and advances to the WPIAL finals for the second consecutive year.

2) Hopewell High School Football Team qualifies for the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

3) Emma Palmieri Sets 4 Hopewell High School Track and Field Records (200M Dash, 4×100, 400M, 4×400 M Relay).

Hopewell’s Emma Palmeri

4) Hopewell HS Bowling Team Wins 1st Ever Southwestern Sectional Title.

5) Hopewell Hires Doug Biega as the HS Boys Basketball Coach.

6) Hopewell Hires Matt Mottes as the permanent HS Football Coach.

7) Zack Kovell Joins the 1,000 Point Club as a Hopewell HS Basketball Player.

Hopewell’s Zach Kovell

8) Connor Progar Sets School record in the Pole Vault (13’10”)

9) James Franklin Visits Hopewell HS to Extend offer to sophomore quarterback James Armstrong

10) Hopewell Sophomore Quarterback James Armstrong Receives 4 Power 4 Scholarship Offers (Pitt, Penn State, North Carolina and West Virginia)

James Armstrong visiting Pitt