October 21, 2011
Hopkins came into Friday night’s game at Allendale knowing a victory would accomplish two big things– claim an OK Silver crown and guarantee a spot in the state playoffs. Following a 42-28 victory, the Vikings were able to check both things off their 2011 football to-do list.
From the onset of play, it was clear Hopkins was charged up and ready to play. The Vikings defense stood tall on Allendale’s initial drive, forcing a turnover on downs. Taking over control of the ball, Hopkins ripped off a 60 yard drive down the field, taking an early 7-0 lead on a Dylan Williams 18 yard touchdown rush. Hopkins continued their strong defensive play, forcing an Allendale fumble on the Falcons‘ next possession. A Tyler Frank recovery on the fumble gave the Vikings possession of the ball inside Allendale territory. As was the case the first time they had the ball, Hopkins drove the ball down the field with ease, scoring another touchdown, this one on a Clayton Williams rush from two yards out.
In the second quarter, Allendale finally put together some consistency on offense, moving the ball down the field 64 yards for a touchdown, with Russell Wierenga punching the ball across the goal line from two yards out. A missed extra point set the score at 14-6. Now on defense, the Falcons forced a Hopkins punt on the ensuing possession. Building some momentum, Allendale began to drive down the field once more. However, the Vikings defense found resolve when needed, stalling the Allendale drive near the 20 yard line, forcing the Falcons to attempt a field goal. The kick was no-good, and Hopkins immediately went to work putting together another touchdown drive. This drive spanned 86 yards, and was capped off with Blake Kraft running for a 34 yard touchdown, giving the Vikings a 21-6 lead– the final scoring play of the first half.
A flurry of points came in the third quarter of play– Hopkins opened up the half with a 73 yard touchdown run by Dylan Williams. Allendale shot right back with a touchdown of their own, with Russell Wierenga running in from three yards out. Hopkins responded with another touchdown, this one via a Mitchel Pavlak quarterback keeper from two yards out. Keeping a trend alive, the Falcons scored again, with Kyle Landis rushing for a 15 yard touchdown. The Vikings answered with their third touchdown of the quarter, as Dylan Williams scored for the third time in the game, this one from the four yard line. After all was said and done, the 21-6 score had turned into 42-21.
Coming into the final quarter of play, Hopkins all but had victory wrapped up, and they did their best to slow the pace of the game right down. The Vikings first possession of the quarter ended in a turnover on downs, but they also managed to eat over five minutes of time. Allendale wasn’t done fighting, as they put together an 88 yard drive, with Ryan Senna scoring on a 23 yard rush, making the score 42-28. The Falcons attempted an onside kick but it was recovered by Hopkins. Victory was now sealed for the Vikings. A series of rush plays ran the final two and a half minutes off the clock, giving Hopkins the OK Silver title.
Allendale finishes its season at 3-6, 3-3 in the OK Silver. Hopkins improves its record to 6-3, and a perfect 6-0 in the OK Silver. They will advance into postseason play next week.
Ryan Senna (#2) rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown.
Mitchel Pavlak (#3) breaks up a pass on defense.
Nik Avink (center, black) takes down the Hopkins ball-carrier.
Dylan Williams (#25) had three touchdowns and 236 rushing yards.
Russell Wierenga accounted for two of Allendale's touchdowns.
The Vikings defense swarms to the ball.
Kyle Landis runs for the outside.
Mitchel Pavlak carries the ball up the field.
Matt Philpott Photography was excited to bring you coverage of tonight’s action. Please be sure to visit his site to check out other sports and portrait photography!
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