Mike Vukovcan The Hopewell Vikings football team will look to build off of their season opening win over Riverside when they host New Castle tonight at Tony Dorsett Stadium.
The challenge tonight will be much more difficult tonight than it was last Friday, and the Vikings are well aware of that.
The Res Hurricanes defeated Hopewell last season, 42-19, and are once again viewed as a talented and dangerous team.
Keys to Victory:
1) Contain New Castle quarterback Marino Graham who likes to move around and runs the RPO. Defenders will need to read their keys and not get out of place.
2) Be Physical! Hopewell had success last season in this matchup pounding the ball with Brody Rock and James Armstrong. With an improved offensive line and the addition of Nasir Wade, I believe they can do that again. Armstrong might need more designed runs than he had a week ago. Physical football must also apply to the defensive line as well. Young, Haniotes, Adams, McCabe must live in the New Castle backfield.
3) Grab Early Lead. After such a lopsided win a week ago, Hopewell is confident especially offensively. Getting an early lead over a quality opponent like New Castle will keep them feeling good. Grabbing an early lead will also allow the home crowd to get into the game and become a factor.
Prediction: This 2025 Hopewell team is good, and they’ll continue to show that tonight. The deciding factor will be the Vikings offense, and the defense will make just enough stops to win.  Hopewell 38 New Castle 24
