HOPEWELL VALLEY, NJ — Notre Dame pulled off a last-minute win over Hopewell Valley, emerging victorious 35-34 in a critical WJFL Capitol title clash on Friday night.
Hopewell Valley, standing at 6-2, and Notre Dame, undefeated at 9-0, each demonstrated their offensive prowess early on. In the first quarter, Hopewell Valley’s Milan Desai connected with Owen Lengle for a 16-yard touchdown pass. Hopewell Valley extended their lead in the second quarter with touchdowns by Desai and Ben DeCore. Notre Dame responded with a 1-yard run from AJ Surace and a 25-yard pass to Michael Quinn, making the halftime score 21-14 in favor of Hopewell Valley.
In the third quarter, Hopewell Valley scored twice, once on a 14-yard pass from Desai to Theo Ellerbe and another on a 12-yard run from DeCore. Notre Dame matched with a 48-yard run from Surace and an 11-yard pass to Liam Kilcomons.
As the fourth quarter commenced, Notre Dame found themselves trailing by six. That gap was closed when Surace connected with Quinn for a 49-yard touchdown pass, sealing the win for Notre Dame and securing their WJFL Capitol title.
Hopewell Valley’s Ben DeCore led all rushers with 297 yards, while Milan Desai threw for 159 yards. For Notre Dame, AJ Surace threw for 150 yards and ran for an additional 49. Michael Quinn was the leading receiver for Notre Dame with 96 yards.
The win keeps Notre Dame’s perfect record intact at 10-0, while Hopewell Valley drops to 6-3.