Lawrence High quarterback Nick Falkenberg tries to elude HoVal senior Miles Davis (75) and junior Matt Graziano (50) during HoVal’s 31-14 state title victory Dec. 7, 2014 at The College of New Jersey in Ewing. (Photo by Albert Rende.)
Hopewell Valley Central High School senior Bryce Caton (14) attempts a kick while junior Matt Semple (11) holds Dec. 7, 2014 at The College of New Jersey in Ewing. (Photo by Albert Rende.).
Hopewell Valley Central High School sophomore Kurtis Martin (3) moves to comfort overwhelmed junior Drew Wiley (25) after HoVal’s 31-14 win over Lawrence High in the state title game held Dec. 7, 2013 at The College of New Jersey. (Photo by Albert Rende.)
Nearly two weeks after Hopewell Valley High’s football team completed the most successful season in the relatively brief history of its resurgent program, the memories and emotion attached to the Bulldogs state sectional championship remained vivid.
Hopewell Valley, which reinstated the football program in 2002 after a hiatus of 70 years, captured the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III title with a 31-14 win over Lawrence on Dec. 7 before a standing-room-only crowd at The College of New Jersey, touching off a community-wide celebration.
Although the Bulldogs recognized and felt the support of their fans during the game, the continued reaction to the championship has overwhelmed them.
“I never imagined anything like this,” Hopewell Valley senior Brian Hoehn said. “People all over the community have been excited. They’ve been coming up and congratulating me and the other kids on the team. It’s been great. It’s been a dream come true.”
Following the championship game, the Bulldogs received a police escort back to the high school. When they arrived, they found several hundred people there to greet them. Trucks from the local fire department were there, too, with lights flashing and sirens wailing.
“That was very special; I didn’t expect that,” senior Lane Meyer said. “It was great to see the community there at the school to congratulate us. It showed the town was behind us. People are really proud of what we’ve done. I’ll never forget all the congratulations. It’s a very positive feeling.”
Head coach Dave Caldwell, who has been at the helm of the football program since its return, also was touched by the outpouring of support.
“I didn’t expect the reception we got back at the high school, with all the fans there and the fire trucks,” Caldwell said. “I think everyone realized how hard the kids worked and how far we’ve come as a program. They realize we have some really great kids on this team who are not just football players, but they’re active and contributing members of the community.
“They’re just proud to know them and be a part of this. Football is one of those sports that goes way beyond the field. You can really unite a community, and I think we’ve done that. It was much more than a game; it was a community event, a community celebration,” he said.
On Dec. 16, the football team was honored at the regional school district’s Board of Education meeting. The state Senate and Assembly recognized the team with a joint resolution, which was given to the players and coaches.
Some of the past school board members who were part of the decision to reinstate football also were in attendance, along with then-superintendent Robert Sopko.
“They were able to realize what a football program could bring to a school and a community,” Caldwell said. “It’s not just the team, but (also) a fantastic band and cheerleading squad and the ‘Dog Pound.’ Maybe they didn’t realize it could be this great, but they had the vision and courage to bring it back.”
Hopewell Valley went 10-1 during the season and steamrollered through the playoffs. The Bulldogs’ only loss came in their final regular-season game, against 2012 Central Jersey Group III champion Nottingham.
The Bulldogs, who scored more than 40 points on five occasions during the regular season and allowed seven or fewer points five times, outscored their three playoff foes, 94-28.
“Coming in, I just wanted to get on the field and start playing and just try to win as many games,” Meyer said. “There were no expectations to win a state championship, which makes it even more special. It wasn’t the intention going in, but it’s awesome that we did it.”
The expectations might not have been there at the start of the season, but Meyer started to believe it was possible after Hopewell Valley won 42-0 over Hightstown in the Bulldogs’ third game.
“I think we realized we had something special in the Hightstown game, when the offense really clicked for the first time and made explosive plays,” Meyer said. “We were kind of hesitant with [new offensive coordinator Todd] Smith’s offense. We didn’t know how explosive it was going to be. But we were really pumped after that game.
“As soon as the team was clicking, I told the team I would be disappointed if we didn’t win a state championship.”
Facing Lawrence in the title game also was special. The teams were originally scheduled to play Thanksgiving Day, but that regular-season meeting was canceled so the squads could focus on the championship game.
“It was cool to face Lawrence, especially with them being a ‘crosstown rival,’” Hoehn said. “A lot of players on our team knew a lot of players on their team. It was great to play another Mercer County team so that no matter who won, another Mercer County team was going to win it this year.”
Of course, being the Mercer County team to do it was gratifying.
“It was a great moment,” Hoehn said. “We worked really hard for it and it was really cool to see it fulfilled. We were really happy to come away with a win.
“I think I’ll remember most the relationships I have with my teammates and how close we were as a team,” he added. “It was definitely the closest team I’ve ever played on.”
Meyer echoed that sentiment.
“I’m probably going to remember the friendships I have,” he said. “We’ve been playing together since freshmen year and this is the year we put it all together. I’ll just remember all the guys and the camaraderie we had. It’s just rewarding that we were able to do this, but it’s really a tribute to the coaches and our hard work in the offseason.
“Unfortunately, my football career is over, but it’s great to go off on a high note. It’s unbelievable.”
It’s a feeling that is going to remain for a long time to come.
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