HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP– The Hopewell JV/Varsity Boys Soccer team closed out their final home match of the season with a strong showing from both squads, as both teams secured victories over Keystone Oaks on Monday Night.
The JV team set the tone early, earning a 3-0 shutout win behind an impressive defensive team of Justin Dennis, Caine Sullivan, Parker Hoth, Sam Wrzesniewski and Dominic Buchanan.
Offensively Elijah Persi -Jones, Tyler Armour and Desmond Sembower each found the back of the net, while Dominic Buchanan and Jaidyn Shoemaker provided key assists that set up the scoring opportunities. In goal, Marshall Hosack recorded a clean sheet, anchoring a defense that denied Keystone Oak any scoring opportunities.
In the Varsity match, Hopewell battled for a hard fought 2-1 victory in front of their home crowd. The Vikings struck first when Tommy Armour’s initial shot went just wide, but Quincy Sannan was perfectly positioned to recover the rebound for the opening goal.
Keystone Oaks would answer back with a header into the net, tying the game 1-1.
However, the Vikings didn’t stop setting the pace of the game with a very strong control of the midfield. Less than a minute later, Armour launched a long-range strike that curved into the top left corner, reclaiming the lead and ultimately sealing the win for Hopewell.
The night carried special meaning as it marked the final home game for Hopewell’s seniors: Alex Alvarado, Tommy Armour, Jake Kovell, Rocco Marcantonio, Bryce Ray, John Sakson and John Wargula. Viking Sports Now extends best wishes to all the seniors as they move on from the program.
Although Hopewell narrowly missed the playoffs-with Central Valley clinching the fourth seed after a late season run- the future remains bright for the Vikings.
The team will return several key starters next season, including RJ Bushnell and Quincy Sannan as seniors, along with Aaden Gonzalez and Nykyeron Leonora returning as experienced juniors. Hopewell will also have their goalkeeper Tallon Coleman, who returns as a senior. The Vikings will have a host of Juniors and Seniors coming up as well that have shown strong potential and will look to make an impact as Hopewell builds towards another competitive season in 2026.
The Vikings will close out their season today when they travel to Ellwood for their last game.
