The Allendale Falcons and Hopkins Vikings are longtime gridiron rivals. In fact, Allendale’s most frequent opponent has been Hopkins, as Thursday marked their 43rd meeting on the gridiron. Both members of the All-Ott and OK Silver conferences for a significant period of time, this meeting was their first since 2015.
It was a defensive battle, with both teams bleeding the clock and slowing the game to their pace of play. In the end, two touchdowns would be more than enough. Cole DiPiazza was the hero for Allendale, as the Falcons win 14-0.
In the first half, scoring chances were present for both sides, but the defenses forced turnovers and pitched goal line stands to keep the scoreboard empty. After halftime, DiPiazza was the difference maker. The senior scored twice in the second half to propel Allendale to a shutout victory.
Allendale is now 2-0 on the season. They begin OK Blue play next week against West Catholic, who also sits at 2-0. Hopkins, meanwhile, is a frustrating 0-2. They have lost to two strong teams in Unity Christian and Allendale, though they have mustered just a single touchdown. They will try to right the ship with OK Silver action against 2-0 Godwin Heights next Friday.
