Mike Vukovcan HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP– High school football in Western Pennsylvania kicked off with a huge matchup in Class 3A, arguably the top game of the weekend as No. 4 Hopewell hosted No. 1 ranked Avonworth.
Avonworth wasn’t just the just top-ranked team in the WPIAL, they also held that distinction in the state of Pennsylvania. With that distinction along with the fact that the Antelopes hadn’t lost to a WPIAL team since 2023, pointed towards Hopewell being the decisive underdog. However, that’s not what took place as the James Armstrong led the Hopewell Vikings soundly defeated Avonworth, 34-14.
The Vikings were the better team for four quarters and a huge key to that was how physical they were on defense. This was an historic win for the Hopewell football program as it was their first ever-win over Avonworth (0-6) and their first ever over a No. 1 ranked team. Coming into this game, 2028 4-star quarterback James Armstrong and Avonworth 2028 4-star wide receiver Jaden Jones received much of the pregame headlines but the second-best player on the field Friday night wasn’t Jones.
Hopewell 2028 wide receiver Avery Bokor put on a show and put out plenty of tape for college coaches to view as he pulled in 3 high-light type catches from Armstrong. Both were 40+ yards down the field, and both were him going over defenders to catch the ball.
For the evening, Bokor finished the evening with 4 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown reception. Armstrong was 8 of 11 passing for 189 passing yards, 1 TD along with 70 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns.
On the other side, Jones finished with 5 catches for 113 yards and a 1 TD. 68 of those yards came on WR screen that Jones ran to the endzone. However, aside from that catch, the Vikings defense was able to keep him in check. Minus the TD reception, the Hopewell defense held him to 4 catches for 45 yards.Â
Avonworth received the opening kick and returned inside Hopewell territory and appeared they were going to get on the scoreboard first. However, on 4th and 1 from the Hopewell 5-yard line, the Hopewell defense came up big as they stuffed Brayden Wiles for a 1-yard loss.
Hopewell took over on offense for the first time and went on a marathon 17-play, 94-yard drive that ended in a 1-yard TD run by Armstrong. One of the key plays of the drive was a 3rd and 9 conversion as Armstrong fired a middle slant to Brody Rock for 17 yards. Hopewell led 7-0 early in the 2nd quarter.
Following the long touchdown catch and run by Jones, Hopewell immediately responded. After Armstrong ran for 6 yards on a 3rd and 3, he then connected with Bokor for 44-yards to take the Vikings down to the Avonworth 12-yard line. That drive then ended with junior running back Nasir Wade tiptoeing up the sidelines for a 12-yard TD run. Hopewell went back on top 14-7.
The score remained 14-7 at halftime thanks to a big defensive play by Hopewell. With :20 seconds left and Avonworth in the redzone, Hopewell linebacker Greg Gigliotti came up with an interception of Mason Mobley to end their threat.Â
Hopewell received the opening kick of the second half and started off with great field position as junior Tamar Tisdale returned the kick to the Avonworth 45-yard line. It didn’t take long for Hopewell to increase their lead to two touchdowns as on the first play, they ran a flea-flicker that worked. Armstrong threw a perfect 45-yard TD pass that Bokor caught in stride. Hopewell increased the lead to 21-7.
Late in the 3rd quarter, Avonworth appeared to be getting back in the game as Hopewell muffed a punt and the Lopes took over at the Hopewell 7-yard line. Two plays later they scored on a 5-yard TD run by Wiley. Hopewell led 21-14 early in the 4th quarter.
After both teams traded punts, the potent Vikings offense iced the game thanks to the legs of Wade. The electric 2028 back had two big runs (10 yards and 25 yards) before taking it in from 1-yard out. Hopewell increased their lead to 28-14 midway through the 4th quarter.
Wade finished the game with 21 carries for 93 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Avonworth attempted to get back in this through the air but once again Hopewell’s defense stood strong and produced another splash play as junior cornerback Brian Olden jumped a Mobley pass for an interception.
Following that turnover, Hopewell added one more touchdown as Armstrong powered his way into the endzone from 2-yards out.
FINAL SCORE: HOPEWELL 34 AVONWORTH 14
After the game, Vikings Sports Now spoke to Armstrong about his performance and the meaning of the win.
