Mike Vukovcan Most of the headlines from Hopewell’s Week 1 win were about the Vikings offense and the 56 points that they put on the scoreboard.
What didn’t get enough headlines is something that Hopewell will need if they want to eventually get where they want to go: to the WPIAL Playoffs.
Give credit to Hopewell head coach Matt Mottes, who also serves as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, along with his defensive staff of Mark Knochel (LB’s coach, assistant DC), Jeremy Martini (DL coach), Antwon Townsend (assistant LB) and Scott Aguglia (assistant DB). These guys have done a tremendous job with these players.
That type of effort is going to be needed again this Friday when they host the New Castle Red Hurricane, who is a very athletic explosive team.
Here’s a look back at the defensive stat leaders from Friday’s win over Riverside.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
*Hopewell’s defense allowed a total of just 5 first down: 3 by rush and 2 by pass.
*Riverside had just 139 total yards and keep in mind that 66 yards came on one rushing play.
*Hopewell’s defense also had 3 sacks and recorded 2 interceptions.
*Hopewell’s Tackles: Nick Thomas with 8, George Takkov with 7, Keith Young with 5, Zander Muzy with 5, Avery Bokor with 4, Nasir Wade with 3, Aris Haniotes with 3, Justin Obeldobel with 3, Richie Johns with 2, Josh Brunton with 2, Tyler Schroeder with 2, Caanan Acosta with 2, Jake Hall with 1, Josh Reynolds with 1, Roman Amadio with 1, Maddox Fattore with 1, Dom Boris with 1, Evan McCabe with 1, Michael Gargiulo with 1 and Kingston Krotec with 1.
*Hopewell’s Sacks: Takfov, Young and Schroeder.
*Hopewell’s Tackles for Loss: Young with 3, Thomas with 2, Bokor with 1, Wade with 1, Muzy with 1, Boris with 1, Amadio with 1, Obeldobel with 1 and Schroeder with 1.
*Hopewell Interceptions:Â Tafkov and Tre Cameron.
By the way, it was the first Hopewell shutout win since 2022 when they defeated New Brighton, 41-0.
