In dramatic fashion, the Hopkins football team fell for the first time this season on Saturday, ending a five-game winning streak by falling to the Muhlenberg Mules 23-10. The Mules were dominant, overpowering the Jays in time of possession and yardage.
For the Jays, a rough start in the first quarter of the game was very indicative of what was to come. It saw Muhlenberg dominate Hopkins in time of possession, yardage and points.
The Mules opened up with an 86 yard drive which culminated in a one-yard touchdown run, putting Muhlenberg up 7-0. Their defense was relentless in the first quarter, allowing the Jays offense just five plays and one first down. Muhlenberg also possessed the ball for over 12 minutes in the quarter.
The second quarter was no better for the Hopkins offense, who found themselves unable to establish a running game all day. The usually high-powered rushing attack definitely suffered from the loss of senior running back Kevin Johnson to a knee injury, but he was quick to deflect individual attention.
"It's a team effort. We win all of our games as a team, and today we lost as a team."
In the entire first half, the Jays offense failed to muster any points.
The defense did better, however, allowing only a 21-yard field goal in the second quarter of play. Junior cornerback Rich Lamour contributed to keeping the Mules out of the end zone, with two interceptions in the first half.
However, the Jays offense had two turnovers, and at halftime, Muhlenberg was up 10-0.
Hopkins received the ball to open the second half and came out with a quick scoring drive. Muhlenberg's kickoff went out of bounds, giving the Jays great field position at the 35. On a few plays, the Jays advanced to midfield, when junior quarterback George Merrell threw a perfect pass to wide open sophomore wide receiver Brian Wolcott, who was running a deep post. Wolcott's catch brought the ball to the Mules 11 before he was tackled, setting up the Jays first score.
But the Jays were unable to find the endzone. Hopkins chances for a touchdown were ended when Merrell was sacked on third and goal, and the Jays settled for a 28-yard field goal by junior kicker Chris Smolyn.
The drive covered 55 yards in eight plays, was executed in under four minutes, and brought the score to 10-3.
On the next possession, the Muhlenberg offense began to drive upfield, and it looked as if they were certain to score again.
The Jays defense, however, came alive once the Mules reached their 25-yard line. Great individual efforts by freshman defensive end Brian Cook, and seniors, linebacker Mike Little and cornerback Mark Robinson forced Muhlenberg into taking a 43-yard field goal attempt, which was no good.
Hopkins got the ball back on downs, and as it looked like they were gaining momentum, a botched handoff resulted in Muhlenberg re covering the loose ball at the Hopkins 28 yard line.
The Jays defense had barely gotten a rest, but they still managed to keep the strong Mules running game out of the end zone. Muhlenberg settled for another field goal, giving them a 10 point lead over the Jays, at 13-3.
On their next possession, the Hopkins offense went three and out, and punted once more. The Muhlenberg offense drove down the field again, this time making it to the three-yard line before their progress was halted.
The Hopkins defense stepped up big at the goal line, and the Mules were forced into another field goal attempt, this one good from 20 yards out. With 3:45 remaining in the third, Muhlenberg held the advantage, 16-3.
With an increasing sense of urgency, the Blue Jays felt the pressure of the Mules charge. But they were unable to capitalize their next drive, which was cut short by an interception.
The Mules offense took possession at midfield. They were then stopped by the Jays defense, and forced to punt. A terrific roll and a good special teams play enabled the Mules to down the ball at the Hopkins one-yard line. The Jays, facing 99 yards between themselves and the end zone, met the challenge. On second down, freshman quarterback Zach DiIonno unleashed a bomb to Wolcott. Wolcott raced past the cornerback who was covering him, hauled in the pass, and took it all the way to the end zone for a 97-yard score. This was the second longest offensive play in Hopkins Football history, and put the Jays back in the game at 16-10.
Muhlenberg got the ball back at the 25, but was soon stopped by the Hopkins defense. Heavy pressure on the quarterback by senior defensive end Nick Loicano forced an incompletion on third down, and the Jays punt block team came out for the next play. On perhaps the most crucial play of the game, the Mules faked the punt by snapping it to the upback, who ran 43 yards to the Hopkins 15. A few plays later, Muhlenberg scored on a 12-yard TD pass, and took the lead, 23-10.
Hopkins got the ball back at the 35 with 4:38 remaining in regulation. DiIonno connected with his receivers, including a 25 yard pass to Wolcott on a 4th and 12. The Jays got close to the Muhlenberg red zone, but a DiIonno fumble was picked up by a defender and advanced to the 49 yard line.
The Mules ran out the clock for the remaining 2:45, and snapped the Jays undefeated streak by a final score of 23-10.
The Muhlenberg defense was the decisive factor in their win, as they held the Jays offense to just 238 total yards. Hopkins running game, usually one of the best in the Centennial Conference, was held to only 32 net yards on the day. The Mules defense also allowed their offense to dominate in possession time, holding the ball for 41:19 as opposed to the 18:41 of the Jays.
"We were given a dose of reality. We learned we can't just step on the field and dominate. We have to play our best every game," said Senior C Kevin Kostibos, "We'll use this as a learning tool and move on. All of our goals are still attainable. The only thing we can do now is prepare for next week and win."
Although it was a tough loss, there were some bright spots for the Jays.
Wolcott made Centennial Conference Honor Roll for a stellar performance, which included 5 receptions for 193 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side, freshman linebacker Max Whitacre's 12 tackles, including one for a loss, also earned him a spot on the Honor Roll.
Hopkins, now 5-1, returns to action next week when they travel to Ashland, VA, to face Randolph-Macon College. It will be the Homecoming for the Yellowjackets, who are currently 4-2.
