On October 3, Hopatcong High School will face Wallkill Valley for its sixth game of the season. The Chiefs’ season is looking up so far, as they are currently 2-3 and fourth in the SFC, National Blue Standings, with still half a season to go. Michael Certo, Kiyon Simpson, and Rocco Shubert are leading the charge, and Hopatcong looks to conquer the Rangers this Friday.
To kick off the season, on August 28, the Chiefs took home their first win of the season, a hard-fought 10-7 victory over Elmwood Park. The game began with a touchdown by Elmwood, scored by a pass to Jesse Schratz from Cohen Watson, earning them a temporary lead. After an uneventful second quarter, John Dos Reis kicked a 30-yard field goal through the uprights for Hopatcong. Soon after, Certo finished the game with a 29-yard run off a kick by Dos Reis in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
Standout performances have been seen by Certo, who has already earned 319 rushing yards on 66 carries, and 44 combined tackles in a span of four games. Across his four years at Hopatcong, he also has earned 160 tackles, 222 carries, 264 passing yards, and 1,198 rushing yards. Certo has been a key part of the Hopatcong program and is looking to end his senior season on a high note.
Similarly, senior Kiyon Simpson is another four-year veteran, and his statistics speak for themselves. This season might be his most impressive yet, in only three games, Simpson has 30 carries, 299 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, and 15 tackles. With only a few more games left in his football career, Simpson plans on leaving it all on the field.
Despite a rocky road, Lake Hopatcong is now over halfway through its season, and coach Mark Certo remains optimistic as he trusts his team can turn things around. Coach and father to Senior Michael and Junior Lukas, Certo’s deep investment in the program could spark a late-season surge. Believing in the values of having a family-like bond, the Chiefs have a connection like no other, and their team culture helps them fight against their opponents.
Hopatcong looks to even out its record and climb the standings with a win at home this Friday night. See how the Chiefs do this Friday, 6:30 pm at home.
