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Hopewell High School Football

Defense Dominates as Hopewell Overwhelms New Castle, 31-6

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 2 minutes read

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP– One year ago, the Hopewell Vikings football team traveled to New Castle and were overwhelmed by New Castle’s speed and big play ability, losing 42-19.

Fast forward to 2025 and the game story was completely flipped as Hopewell’s defense completely suffocated New Castle’s offense and lived in the opposing backfield as the Vikings moved to 2-0 with a 31-6 win.

New Castle quarterback Marino Graham was pressured the entire evening by the Vikings defense, led by Brian McCabe, Nick Thomas, Keith Young, Aris Haniotes and Tyler Schroeder. For the second straight week, the Vikings defense completely shut down their opponents run game, this week limiting New Castle to just 27 yards on 20 yards.

Hopewell nearly recorded a shutout for the second consecutive week, as New Castle registered their only touchdown on a 65-yard TD from Graham to Kai Cox. Other than that big play, they simply couldn’t move the football.

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.

Keep in mind, a year ago, Hopewell only held the opponent to single digit points once all season and have done it twice already in 2025.


Taking a look at the offense, Hopewell scored 31 points but due to turnovers, they left a lot of points on the field and honestly, could’ve/should’ve scored 50+.

That being said, it says a lot about the potential and skill level of this team when I’m nitpicking about scoring 31 points.

Sophomore quarterback James Armstrong led the way for Hopewell as he completed 16 of 19 passes for 229 yards, while also rushing for 109 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Senior Logan Triscilla had another steady/spectacular game with 5 catches for 96 yards, including a great catch on a 40+yard flea flicker.

Other Hopewell pass catchers included sophomore running back Nasir Wade with 5 for 34 yards, Tre Cameron 2 for 23 yards, Avery Bokor 2 for 7 yards, Kingston Krotec 1 for 5 yards and George Tafkov 1 for 4 yards. Wade also rushed the ball 13 times for 51 yards.

HOPEWELL/NEW CASTLE TEAM STATISTICS:
Rushing First Downs: Hopewell 11, New Castle 2
Passing First Downs: Hopewell 5, New Castle 4
Total First Downs: Hopewell 17, New Castle 7
Penalties: Hopewell 9 for 92, New Castle 11 for 48
Rushing: Hopewell 37 for 174 yards, New Castle 20 for 27 yards
Passing Yards: Hopewell 229 yards, New Castle 97 yards

Next up for Hopewell will be a road trip to take on the Ambridge Bridgers before returning home on September 12th against Beaver.

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Hopewell High School Football

WATCH: Interviews with Haniotes, Thomas, Wade, Tafkov, Young and Cameron Following Scrimmage

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 0 minutes read

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.

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Hopewell High School Football

Hopewell Newcomers Keith Young and George Tafkov Ruled Eligible by the WPIAL

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 2 minutes read

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.

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