HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP– Following this morning’s scrimmage against Ellwood City, in which Hopewell won 13-0, Vikings Sports Now spoke to a few Hopewell players. Four of the players we spoke to are newcomers to the roster- Keith Young (from Keystone Oaks), Nasir Wade (from Aliquippa), George Tafkov (from Keystone Oaks) and Aris Haniotes (from Quaker Valley). I asked them about today’s scrimmage but also about the expectations for this season.
It’s been a very busy week at the WPIAL offices in Green Tree,
The WPIAL board started eligibility hearings on Monday for athletes that made the decision to transfer in the offseason.
This is always a controversial subject as the WPIAL board makes the decision on these players eligibility for the upcoming season and determine whether the move was done for athletic intent.
The subject of what’s wrong if a family makes the decision to move their family for athletic intent to better their kid’s situation is a whole different topic that I might address in the future.
Now back to the eligibility story as the Hopewell Vikings received some very good news.
The WPIAL has ruled that junior defensive tackle and offensive lineman Keith Young and junior linebacker George Tafkov are both eligible for the 2025 regular season. For now, those two players have been ruled ineligible for the postseason, if Hopewell were to make it. This is a decision that Hopewell will appeal.
Two important factors that worked towards their eligibility were that Young’s father has held permanent residency in Hopewell for two years. Also, Tafkov’s family started construction on a house in Hopewell Township years ago.
Hopewell athletic director Joe Lamenza played a huge role in the gathering of evidence, while Hopewell HS principal did an outstanding job presenting the athletes case to the WPIAL.
Both Young and Tafkov transferred to Hopewell from Keystone Oaks High School. Young is 6’3”, 285-pounds and from early looks, has a chance to be a dominant lineman on both sides of the ball.
Hopewell offensive/defensive lineman Keith Young
Things have to be played out in camp and a position needs to be earned, but Tafkov could be a starting linebacker for Hopewell this season.
While Young and Tafkov received good news, other WPIAL athletes weren’t so fortunate.
Talented Seton LaSalle sophomore quarterback Anthony Smith, who transferred from Southmoreland High School was ruled ineligible. As a freshman, Smith passed for 2,110 yards, 22 touchdowns and completed 53% of his passes. He also holds an offer from Syracuse.
Also, girls’ basketball player Peyton Lynch, who transferred from Allderdice to Avonworth, was ruled ineligible for 2025.
Both of those decisions can and will be appealed to the PIAA.
