HOPKINS VS MINNETONKA SQUARE OFF ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD

Hopkins traveled to Minnetonka to take on the Skippers in a Thursday evening match up. Coming into this game, Hopkins was ranked number 5 in class AAA in the current Star Tribune poll. Fox Sports Net North was also here covering the game. This was a huge game for both of these teams. There was also a lot of other media members covering this game.

Hopkins received the opening kickoff and looked to air it out early in the early goings of the game. Dammi Mafe took off on a run from about the 49 yard line and found the end zone quickly with 11:07 remaining in the first quarter. The extra point attempt was good and the score was Hopkins 7 and Minnetonka 0.

Minnetonka looked to make short running drives as they were able to make a first down early in the first quarter. Minnetonka’s Austin Harrington came out ready to play and made some nice caches early in the contest.

There was a lot of energy and intensity displayed by both teams in the early going. These two teams are regarded as two of the top programs in the area.

Minnetonka looked for running back Parker Weinstock to carry the ball. He is quick and agile on his feet and really knows what to do with the ball. The Hopkins defense stepped up big time and they were able to stop Minnetonka on fourth down.

Minnetonka was able to capitalize on Hopkins mistakes. Minnetonka had the ball on the five yard line. Though they could not come up with the touchdown, Minnetonka made a field goal it barely through the uprights. At the end of the first quarter the score was Hopkins 7, Minnetonka 3.

Hopkins got the ball to begin the second quarter and continued to try to pound the ball up the field. Their running backs got a lot of small yard runs. Hopkins head coach John DenHartong did a good job of play calling on switching up the plays. He had the Royals run a little bit and then he chooses to pass it. He calls in the correct play and his team runs that play. Hopkins continued to pound the football up the field. Hopkins Andre Mc Donald found the end zone for a touchdown. The extra point was good. With 6:24 in the score was Hopkins 14 and Minnetonka 7.

James Farrow ran 90 yards on the kickoff return for a Minnetonka touchdown. Taylor Dawson’s extra point was good. With 6:08 left in the second quarter the score was Hopkins 14 and Minnetonka 10.

Both of these teams really went after each other throughout the first half. At the half time break the score was Hopkins 14 and Minnetonka 10.

As the third quarter got underway everyone in the stands was up for the kick off. The pace of the third quarter was quick. Hopkins was able to make steps down the field as Treyvon Smith had the ball and was able to make some huge progress up the field. Smith found the end zone on a five yard touchdown run. The extra point was good. With 7:18 in regulation the score was Hopkins 21 and Minnetonka 10.

Minnetonka came up with the ball and Parker Weinstock came through with the nice running play. He was determined to get into the end zone. On the next play Weinstock received the ball again and he again tried to get into the end zone. Weinstock found the end zone for the six yard touchdown run. The extra point was good, Minnetonka 17 and Hopkins 21.

Hopkins’ Gideon Kendrick returned a punt for a touchdown. The extra point was good with 45.2 seconds in the third quarter the score was Hopkins 28 and Minnetonka 17.

Minnetonka’s Parker Winestock came through again in the fourth quarter with a touchdown. The extra point was good. After that touch down the score was Hopkins 28 and Minnetonka 24.

Hopkins found the end zone again with a field goal with 8:12 left to go in regulation.

Minnetonka fumbled and Hopkins came up with the football. Minnetonka’s Larry Rice came up big with a pick off pass with 3:47 in the fourth quarter. There was a flag on the play so the ball was placed on the 18 yard line. Minnetonka threatened to score by giving the ball to Parker Winestock. Minnetonka’s Anthony Boyce was wide open for the touchdown reception. The extra point attempt failed.
,
This game came down to the end. Hopkins held onto the 31-30 victory.