Mike Vukovcan Congratulations to HC Matt Mottes and the Hopewell Vikings as they dominated #7 Southmoreland for 4 quarters enroute to a 42-6 win.
It’s Hopewell’s first win in the playoffs since 2012! Next up for the Vikings is a matchup against No. 2 seed Imani Christian,
The story of tonight’s game was Hopewell’s defense and the play on both sides of sophomore Brody Rock.
The bottom line is that the Vikings defense, led by Aris Haniotes, Brian McCabe and Nick Thomas were completely dominating.
Southmoreland had no chance to move the ball on the ground as the Vikings defensive line continually found themselves in the backfield. When they tried to pass the ball, the Hopewell pass rushers pressure them all night,
Game Recap-
* After Hopewell was stopped 3 and out on the 1st drive of the game, the defense started their domination. Following a sack by Haniotes and Boris, Southmoreland went for it on 4th and 3 and was stopped by McCabe and Thomas.
*After gaining a couple of 1st downs on the ground with Wade, Hopewell ‘s offense reached the endzone.
*On 4th and 10 from Southmoreland’s 36, quarterback James Armstrong found Rock for a 36-yard TD. Hopewell led 7-0.
*After forcing a Southmoreland 3 and out, the Vikings offense went back to work.
On 3rd and 13, Armstrong hit Avery Bokor on a slant for 12-yards. Then on 4th and 1, Hopewell went for it and Armstrong went 31-yards on a quarterback sneak. Hopewell now led 14-0.
*Early in the 2nd quarter, the Hopewell defense came up big as Nasir Wade recovered a fumble and took it in from 24 yards to give Hopewell a 21-0 lead,
Hopewell went into halftime with a 21-6 lead.
*The series of the game occurred midway through the 3rd quarter. Following a Hopewell turnover, Southmoreland took over inside the Hopewell 10-yard line.
That’s when Rock turned into Superman on defense. Rock  made three consecutive tackles for loss. On one play he was assisted by Wade and then on 3rd down, Haniotes helped Rock. Southmoreland then attempted a 35-yard FG and it was no good. Hopewell still led 21-6.
*On the first play of the 4th quarter, Hopewell’s offense came up with a big play as Armstrong hit Rock on a 33-yard pass completion. Later in the drive, Wade took it in from 3-yards and Hopewell now led 28-6.
*On their next possession, Southmoreland went for it on 4th down and were stopped as Rock recorded another sack.
*After that stop, Hopewell took over deep in Southmoreland terrory. On the first play, Armstrong hit Bokor on a 19-yard slant down to the 1-yard line. The next play, Armstrong took it in from 1-yard out. Hopewell now led 35-6.
*Following sacks by McCabe and Haniotes on the next drive,
Hopewell scored their final touchdown of the game as Wade ran it in from 41-yards.
Final Score: Hopewell 42 Southmoreland 6
After the long playoff drought, it was time for Hopewell to celebrate and it was much deserved.
