Virginia Tech recruit James Hopper jump started Seventy-First High School's (Fayetteville, N.C.) run to the Class 4A state championship game, scoring the only two scores in a 14-0 regional quarterfinal win over #1 seed Mount Tabor High School. The 5-10, 180-pound senior defensive back/running back got the job done on both sides of the ball in the win, scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run in the first half and returning an interception 80 yards for the game's only second half score.
"My game has gone to another level in the playoffs, I think," Hopper said. "My defense definitely has. I've been making more plays. Teams are keying on me more on offense, but my other teammates are making plays."