CONCORD An easy win at Central Cabarrus was just what the doctor ordered for Hopewell's football team. Resting several players injured in Monday's loss to West Charlotte, the Titans were still able to manhandle the Vikings Friday, winning 42-0.
Hopewell took advantage of an array of Vikings mistakes, dominating from the onset.
Hopewell (5-3 overall, 1-1 ME-CA 7 4A Conference) was stuffed three plays on the game's opening drive. However, the Central Cabarrus return man muffed the Titans' punt, and Hopewell recovered at the Vikings' 35.
On first down, Justin Avery completed a 24-yard pass to Demetrius Wallace. On the next play, Grant Nowell bounced left outside and carved his way to the end zone for a 6-0 lead.
Titans lineman Derrick Johnson intercepted a pass on Central Cabarrus' ensuing possession and returned it nine yards to the Vikings' seven. On third down, Avery followed the blocks of his center and left guard for a one-yard touchdown.
“Our defense got some turnovers,” said Hopewell coach Chris Rust. “They're playing well this year, I'm real pleased with them.”
Four straight carries by Dondre Lewis produced Hopewell's next two touchdowns. He followed a 32-yard run with a 16-yard jaunt for a score and a 20-0 first quarter lead.
On Hopewell's first second quarter possession, Lewis ran seven yards on first down and completed a 34-yard drive with a 27-yard burst through the middle. He never carried again but finished with four carries for 82 yards and two scores.
After Central Cabarrus (0-3 conference) opened the second half with another four-and-out series, one of eight such possessions, Avery completed a 58-yard drive with a 31-yard touchdown pass to Darren Matthews. The junior quarterback finished 8-13 for 108 yards.
Vikings punter D.J. Watson tracked down a snap that went over his head inside his own five and booted it backward through the end zone for a Hopewell safety.
Central Cabarrus' next punt snap never reached Watson and the Titans took over at the Vikings' 27. Freshman Denzel Heath rushed on all five plays, including a three-yard score, for the final margin.
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