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HUNTERSVILLE The big rivalry just north of Charlotte kicked off in front of a capacity crowd Friday night. Hopewell High made its case for a playoff berth, cruising to a 42-7 win against visiting North Mecklenburg.
The Titans (6-5, 3-3 I-MECK 4A) came out bent on running the ball against their cross-town rivals. They followed the lead of junior running back Dondre Lewis, who rushed for 140 yards and scored four touchdowns.
"It felt real good to come out and dominate like that," said Lewis. "I just wanted to do my thing and get us into the playoffs."
The Vikings (6-5, 2-4 I-MECK 4A) started strong, putting together an eight-play, 44-yard drive to take the early lead. The offense failed to find a rhythm the rest of the night, turning the ball over four times.
With Lewis dominating on the ground, Hopewell used play-action passes to get into scoring position. Senior receiver Michael Haffner caught four balls for 111 yards.
The Titans put the game out of reach with two scores in the third quarter that gave them a 28-point lead.
On the only receiving touchdown of the night, senior quarterback Justin Avery caught a 7-yard pass from backup junior quarterback Cole Blythe.
North Mecklenburg senior quarterback Brad Clay, who did not start because of a sprained ankle, came in on the Vikings' third possession to try to give his team a spark. He went 12-for-19 for 117 yards.
