Kurt Hopkins wouldn’t mind a repeat of last year.
The Millis High running back, who also excels as a linebacker, rushed for 1,050 yards and scored 12 touchdowns last year as the Mohawks won the Division 4A Super Bowl by defeating Maynard. He also was voted a first-team Tri Valley League all-star.
“My goal this year is for us to repeat as Super Bowl champs,’’ Hopkins said. “It’s realistic, because we’ve got experienced starters back and our team chemistry is good. To be champions again, however, we have to treat each game like it’s the only one left. As for me personally, it would be nice to improve on last year’s statistics and be a league all-star again. But, winning is much more important.’’
What’s also important is Hopkins’ health, and Millis fans got a major scare during the team’s 33-8 victory over Bellingham on Oct. 6. He dislocated his left elbow late in the second half and left the game in an ambulance. Hopkins missed the Mohawks game against Dover-Sherborn and was doubtful for Ashland. However, he was aiming to return for the playoffs.
At Local Town Pages deadline, Millis had a 5-1 record and was on top of the standings in the TVL Small Division. Hopkins also was on top of his game with 585 yards rushing and six TDs in 4½ games.
The senior captain’s prime objective is to stay healthy, finish strong as a team and establish a legacy. “We want to win the division, get to the sectional finals and be peaking at the finish line,’’ he said. “If we win back-to-back Super Bowls, it would cement our team as one of the best in Millis history.’’
The 5-foot-9, 170-pounder is a dynamic two-way player whose offensive strengths include agility, a high football IQ, hitting the holes quickly and cutting sharply. His prime defensive assets are the abilities to read and react and to rely on instincts.
“I enjoy running the ball, but playing linebacker is fun, too,’’ he said. “It’s exciting to gain yards, but I also like tackling and pursuing at linebacker. I watch a lot of film, and that helps me to determine the tendencies of our opponents.’’
Hopkins, who has a GPA that’s off the charts (4.3), is a National Honor Society student whose work ethic on the gridiron is superb. His coach, Dana Olson, labels Hopkins as “an old-school, blue-collar competitor.’’
“Kurt gives 110 percent every play,’’ Olson said. “His motor never stops, and he’s able to get into position and make plays. His running complements our passing game, and he provides us with great spark. He’s the kind of runner who keeps the chains moving. He also goes full speed on defense and makes things happen.’’
A leader by example, Hopkins considers himself more of an on-field captain. “I’ll yell out plays that I think our opponents will run, and I try to help my teammates with positioning,’’ he noted. “We’ve got five other senior captains (quarterback Bryce Latosek, linebacker Ryan Daniel, receiver/safety PJ Adams, receiver/safety Dom Zonfrelli and lineman Ciaran Hourihan) who are quality leaders. They promote team chemistry, they’re all talented, and they all contribute.’’
When it comes to contributions, Hopkins is usually at the head of the class. Last year, he scored three touchdowns in games against Archbishop Williams and Bellingham and his TD against Ashland helped to clinch the division title. “Those games last year were three of my best,’’ Hopkins recalled. “I gained 175 yards against Bellingham and I gained 130 against Ashland in a game we won, 8-6. This season, I gained 145 yards and scored three TDs against Dedham.’’
All those touchdowns and all those yards, however, pale when stacked up against a Super Bowl crown. Hopkins knows the value of team play. “Winning the Super Bowl was unreal,’’ he said. “It was awesome — a great feeling because it justified all our hard work.’’
The 17-year-old Hopkins, who also plays basketball (forward) and baseball (infield), wouldn’t mind continuing his grid career in college, but he knows it would likely be in a Division 3 setting. Aiming for a career in civil engineering, he’s applied to UMass, Boston College, UConn, New Hampshire and Worcester Polytech. “I love sports, but I’ll focus on academics in college,’’ he said. “However, if I choose WPI, it could be a fit for football.’’
Labeling Olson as “a great motivator with a good football mind,’’ Hopkins also is a fan of his position coach — Jim Perkins. “Coach Perkins starred at Millis, and he deals with backs and linebackers,’’ Hopkins said. “He knows what’s needed to improve.’’
Hopkins relies on a competitive philosophy that focuses on winning. “It’s important to have fun,’’ he said. “And, winning, leads to fun. It’s also important to keep improving. I also try to learn life lessons from sports. Accountability is a lesson that helps you avoid earlier mistakes.’’
Hopkins doesn’t make many mistakes on a football field. He started playing the sport at seven in the Millis-Norfolk-Medfield Pop Warner association, and his game has been on the upswing ever since.
Kurt Hopkins is a versatile two-way football player who could be a TVL all-star again. He’d like that, but he’d prefer another Super Bowl crown.
That’s the way champions think.
Issue Date:
November, 2017
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