Mike Vukovcan The Hopewell Vikings football program got better as for the second time this offseason; they’ve added a new name to their 2025 roster.
In the last month, Quaker Valley sophomore Aris Honiotes and his family moved into the Hopewell Area School district and Aris is currently enrolled at the high school. A month ago, talented Aliquippa freshman running back Nasir “Bruiser” Wade also transferred to Hopewell and is enrolled.
Honiotes is a 6’3″, 215-pound sophomore defensive end/offensive lineman that was a starter last season for the Quakers. Aris has the potential to provide a nice pass rush off the edge for Matt Mottes’ defense along with being a run stopper.
This could be a valuable addition because with the potential of Hopewell’s 2025 offense, if the defense can improve, the upcoming season can be an interesting one for the Vikings.
If the name Aris Honiotes sounds familiar, he was born and raised in Hopewell before moving to Quaker Valley two seasons ago. But he’s back and tells Vikings Sports Now that he’s excited to be back and with his friends.
“It feels great to be back in a place I grew up in for 13 years,” said Honiotes. “Most of the guys on the team, I grew up with and played termite ball with, so it’s special. The transition is very easy because I feel back at home. I remember playing in middle school under Bokor and it’s the same faces.
“The team has talent, but I think sometimes it takes certain leaders to bring that out and the coaching here has been really good as of late,” said Honiotes. “You can see that on the field. To be honest, I’m just excited to get to work. I don’t focus so much on results because you can’t control that, but if you put your head down and work, elementally you will hit your goals.”
Learned a ton today at @Pitt_FB camp. Grateful for the opportunity and coaches who leaned in today.
Special shout out to @coachdaoust for the feedback at D End.@AdamCalt @CoachDuzzPittFB pic.twitter.com/j7KvTLBcNG
— 6'3 215 | C/O 27 , 15 YO| DE / Edge | 3.4 GPA (@ArisHaniotes27) June 10, 2024
Being a 6’3″, 215-pounds already as a sophomore, Honiotes certainly passes the eye test and looks to have the measurables. I wanted to know what he believes that he’ll be able to bring to this growing football program.
“I think my biggest strength is just being present,” said Honiotes. “Whether that’s in the off-season workouts or the film room. I also think just having a love for football. I really enjoy the game and it’s fun to be out on the field battling on a Friday night with your guys. Defense is my personality, so I’m hoping to help the team shut down any offense put in front of us.”
Another day at the office pic.twitter.com/kwz3QzdL7P
— 6'3 215 | C/O 27 , 15 YO| DE / Edge | 3.4 GPA (@ArisHaniotes27) March 20, 2025
One other note, Honiotes is also an accomplished wrestler and will be a part of the Vikings Wrestling program.
