Mike Vukovcan How fun is it that in November, we’re able to say that we have another Friday night of Hopewell Vikings football!
That’s the case, as tonight, Hopewell will go on the road to take on Imani Christian in the quarterfinals of the WPIAL playoffs.
Tonight’s matchup will not be easy as Imani Chrisitan is the No. 2 seed, enters the game undefeated and has a roster littered with players that hold D-1 scholarships. During the regular season, Imani Christian outscored their opponents 476 to 66.
The bottom line is for Hopewell to come out with a win will be difficult, but it won’t be impossible, and the Vikings certainly believe they have a path to victory.
For Hopewell to have a chance tonight, here are the things that need to happen:
KEYS TO A HOPEWELL WIN:
1) CONTROL THE TEMPO OF THE GAME! CONTROL THE TEMPO OF THE GAME!- Imani Christian’s offense averages close to 50 points per game and have the athletes to score from anywhere on the field. One way to prevent them from scoring is to not let them have the ball. Hopewell’s offense must dominate Time of Possession. That’s a must. Long drives, collecting a few first downs every time they have the ball, snapping the ball with less than 10 seconds on the play clock, etc.
Hopewell had a similar game plan early this year against Avonworth and it worked for much of the first half, as they trailed just 10-7 with a few minutes left until halftime. Unfortunately, a couple of late turnovers near halftime derailed their bid for an upset and led to a quick 14 points for Avonworth. This was also a gameplan they employed last season against Central Valley, and they were able to enjoy some success with it.
The Vikings can’t completely go conservative with their offense because that’s not who they are and how they’ve enjoyed success this season. However, they need to be smart with the ball, smart with the clock and CONTROL THE TEMPO!
2) CONTAIN GABRIEL JENKINS– Hopewell has faced some very talented teams this season but Jenkins will be the most skilled position player they’ve faced all season. Jenkins (6’1″, 187-pounds) is a consensus 4-star recruit and was previously committed to Penn State before the firing of James Franklin. Since then, he’s re-opened his recruitment. Bottom line is that he’s a big-time talent on both sides of the ball. He’s being recruited as a linebacker/defensive back but he’s the straw that stirs the Imani Christian offense.
The Vikings defense is going to need to stay in their lanes as he’ll look to run the ball. One missed assignment and Jenkins will be gone for either a big gain or a touchdown. It’s not just Jenkins as the IC offense has a number of playmakers but make no mistake about it, this offense moves because of their ability to run the football. Somehow, Hopewell needs to have success on early downs and force Jenkins into 3rd and long situations and get him to throw the football. Having him throw won’t guarantee Hopewell success but it’ll give them a better chance of getting off the field.
3) TAKE WHAT DEFENSE GIVES YOU- Along the lines of what I referenced earlier, the Hopewell passing game has to be smart, patient and don’t always try and force the issue. Completing a big pass is nice but don’t assume you’re going to live by that. If there’s opportunities to complete a 7-8 yards pass, do it. Dink and dunk them if that’s what they’re allowing you to do. Pick up first down, control the clock. control the tempo of the game.
4) JAMES ARMSTRONG– Armstrong has been dealing with a lower body injury for the past 3 weeks and with every passing day, he’s getting healthier. Jenkins is a talented player but let’s not overlook Armstrong. IF Jenkins is the most talented player on the field tonight, Armstrong is right behind him and doesn’t have to take a back seat to anyone. This will be the biggest game that he’s been involved in and if Hopewell has any chance to win tonight, Boo needs to be Boo. Is that a lot of pressure, sure, but I have no doubt he’s looking for to this and have little doubt he’ll be up to the challenge.
As the saying goes, ‘Pressure makes Diamonds’, and Armstrong will be there to answer the bell.
GAME PREDICTION- Other factors tonight could be the weather conditions. Currently, it’s forecasted to be in the mid-50’s with rain coming from 4 pm thru the 7 pm hour.
Also, if Hopewell can keep it close, they have the clear advantage on special teams.
I have no doubt this Hopewell team will he playing in a WPIAL championship game in the next few years. Â The question is will this be the year?
Call me a homer, you’re making this pick with your heart  or whatever you want but I believe Hopewell’s season won’t end tonight.
PREDICTION: HOPEWELL 31 IMANI CHRISTIAN 27
