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Zander Muzy Talks Potential of the 2024 Hopewell Vikings Football Team

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Following a team Blue/Gold game and a scrimmage on Saturday at Ellwood City, the Hopewell Vikings will officially kick off the 2024 season this Friday when they host the Riverside Panthers.

A couple big things have changed since the Vikings ended the 2023, including a new head coach and a different quarterback.

Friday night will be a big night for Matt Mottes as it’ll be his first game as a head coach and his quarterback will make his first varsity start.

Freshman James Armstrong was battling with junior Kingston Krotec for the starting job before Krotec unfortunately suffered a broken ankle during practice on Thursday.

That means following a highly successful junior high career, Armstrong’s playing time and responsibility will be fast tracked.

Despite only winning one game last season, there’s a quiet confidence that this team will be improved and could surprise some teams. Of course, every team is confident heading into the season, it’s now time to see whether they can get it done on the field.

One of the returning upperclassmen and someone that will be counted on both offensively and defensively will be junior wide receiver and defensive back Zander Muzy.

“I think this team feels different from last year because we have more of a connection and more of a bond,” Muzy tells HSN. “I truly feel like this team is more of a family. I feel like this team is able to connect on a deeper level because the talent and the relationship that we have off the field. I believe that this team has talent and we’re going to show it this year.”

“I really like this coaching staff. They’re doing everything possible and putting us in a position to have us succeed, not only on the field but in life. They’re doing everything they can to make us play to our fullest and live up to our potential.”

Speaking of potential, if the offensive line is able to do their job, I believe this Hopewell offense has the potential to score some points, which was a problem in 2023. It’s hard to win games when you can’t put points on the scoreboard and in 8 of their 10 games last season, the Vikings scored 14 points or less. To take that one step further, in 7 of the 10 games, they scored in the single digits.

Along with Muzy, Hopewell’s skill position players will include RB Josh Brunton, RB Brody Rock, WR Tre Cameron, WR Vinny Boris, WR Logan Triscilla, TE James Gill, WR Julian Baldwin, WR John Ross, RB Thomas Pipkins and WR Avery Bokor.

Once again, if Armstrong can get time and the running backs can get some room, I believe this offense can be much improved.

“I’m really excited with the depth we have on offense this year. Even when people graduate, we’re still going to have more talent. On offense, if the defense is able to shut down our run game, we still have our passing game. This team isn’t about one person, we have a lot of weapons.”

When looking at the Vikings wide receivers, Muzy is someone to keep an eye on as he has big play potential. Armstrong to Muzy could be a fun duo to watch in 2024.

HOPEWELL 204 HOME SCHEDULE

August 23rd: vs. Riverside

September 6th: vs. Ambridge

September 20th: vs. Avonworth

September 27th: vs. Quaker Valley

October 11th: vs. Freeport

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