Hopewell Valley: A Team To Get Familiar With

Honing from central Jersey, Hopewell Valley is a team that has the potential to not only command the attention of their division, but possibly the state as well. Hopewell Valley finished 2023 with a convincing 8-2 record. The Bulldogs dominated in all facets of the game last season. They put up over 40 points in four games and in their two loses, only lost by a combined 8 points. Think about that for a moment. Hopewell Valley was only 8 points away from an undefeated record last season. There is good reason to believe they have corrected any deficiencies from a season ago and will bring much needed experience onto the field in 2024. This is a team primed to make a run.    [player_tooltip player_id='1054139' first='Milan' last='Desai'] is that prototypical QB that every program would benefit from having on their squad. Standing tall at 6'3", Milan is built differently than other quarterbacks in the state. Milan's throwing mechanics are crisp. Fluid in his drop back and follow through, Milan makes deep balls look easy as he can heave it over the coverage with ease. Milan's bigger frame really allows him to unleash a lot of power behind his throw and can dart the ball on a line across the field to get it to his receiver quickly.   Milan had a ton of success in 2023 as Hopewell Valley's signal caller. A lot of that stems from Milan's pocket presence and ability to move in and out of the pocket to extend the play and let his guys run open. Milan's mobility allows him to avoid the rush and keep the play alive as he runs out of the pocket. Just as impressive, Milan can toss an accurate ball while on the run. This is something defenses need to consider and be worried about in 2024. The play is never over with as long as the ball is in Milan's hands. Totaling 27 total touchdowns in 2023 (17 passing and 10 rushing), look for Milan to match and potentially exceed those numbers next season.        [player_tooltip player_id='1022243' first='Ben' last='Decore'] is a back I wasn't too familiar with until recently, but now that I know what he is capable of, I will keep a close eye on what he does throughout the 2024 season. Ben has all of the skills required to be in the category of top tier RBs in the state. Once the ball is handed off to Ben you can be sure there will be the possibility of magic happening.   Rushing for 1292 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023, Ben positioned himself to be a reliable, three down back that can cause mayhem for defenses in multiple ways. Starting off, Ben is a gritty runner that doesn't shy way from contact between the tackles. Ben can take the handoff right up the gut and chug along for positive yardage after contact. However, I think what stands out the most for Ben is his vision and bouncing capabilities. There are countless examples of Ben making it through the hole unscathed, to then bounce it to the sideline and tear downfield. His eyes are always scanning the defense looking for the path of least resistance. A strong nosed runner as well, Ben makes it look easy when defenders are ripping at his jersey or are trying to trip him up. He has total body control and a powerful leg drive that allows him to break away from nearly any would-be tackler.        The top returning target for Hopewell Valley, [player_tooltip player_id='1022244' first='Owen' last='Lengle'] is ready to light up the field in 2024. Lining up mostly from the slot, Owen is a versatile receiver that can hurt defenses not only through his route running skills but through his ball carrying capabilities as well. Owen is slick in his running style. He is able to carve through the secondary and find open space for Milan to throw into, and can also slip away from tacklers when they think they have him within their grasp.   Owen was able to accumulate 334 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in 2023. Owen was often used in bubble screens and shorter routes for Hopewell Valley. This was advantageous to their offense, as it allowed Owen to use his agility to weave in and out of blockers and follow them downfield for big gains. However, don't assume he is only utilized in that manner. Owen can stretch the field and has the hands and body control to reel it in on the run. Owen does an exceptional job bringing the ball in and securing the catch even when he has to stretch out for it. Look for fireworks out of this offense, and in particular between [player_tooltip player_id='1022244' first='Owen' last='Lengle'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1054139' first='Milan' last='Desai'].      A destructive force on defense, [player_tooltip player_id='1054140' first='Luke' last='Caldwell'] is one of those DBs that has a nose for the ball and can end a play before it can really get started. Luke absolutely flies to the ball. From the safety position, Luke is able to quickly recognize the direction of the play and dart in the direction of the ball carrier. Racking up 56.5 tackles in 2023, Luke physicality really exemplifies how he plays the game.   Luke is also another weapon to keep an eye on for Hopewell Valley's offense. He was able to rack up 310 receiving yards last season as he was able to find success anywhere his route took him. Crafty after the catch, Luke finds way to get into open space through following his blockers and breaking into daylight. Often thrown to on a tunnel screen, Hopewell Valley sets Luke up for success as he makes his way through the middle of the field with a wall of blockers leading the way. Lastly, Luke lined up as the punt returner last season as well. Look for him to make some big momentum changing plays in 2024.        Coming from the interior defensive line, Gavin is one of those D-linemen that looks like he shot out of a cannon when he comes off of the line. Fighting off blockers between the tackles, Gavin deploys a range of hand techniques, having the ability to shed blockers through swim moves and rips. Gavin was a constant presence in the backfield in 2023. Not only did he rack up 41.5 tackles, but he was able to get to the quarterback 3.5 times as well.   Gavin does a great job taking command of the line. He isn't the biggest defensive lineman, but that may work to his advantage. Gavin is able to slip between blockers like a linebacker and go one-on-one with the runner in the backfield. Because Gavin is quicker than most DTs, he is able react quickly to the runner's subtle moves and prevent them from getting across the line. Get eyes on Gavin this upcoming season.

Honing from central Jersey, Hopewell Valley is a team that has the potential to not only command the attention of their division, but possibly the state as well. Hopewell Valley finished 2023 with a convincing 8-2 record. The Bulldogs dominated in all facets of the game last season. They put up over 40 points in four games and in their two loses, only lost by a combined 8 points. Think about that for a moment. Hopewell Valley was only 8 points away from an undefeated record last season. There is good reason to believe they have corrected any deficiencies from a season ago and will bring much needed experience onto the field in 2024. This is a team primed to make a run.