It was an impressive opening week for the Hopewell High School football program from top to bottom, knocking off defending WPIAL and state champion Avonworth 34-14 thanks to a strong offensive and defensive effort.
Now, third-year head coach Matt Mottes and his program are getting some recognition, with Mottes being named the Pittsburgh Steelers Youth Football Coach of the Week for Week 1.
Congratulations to Matt Mottes of Hopewell on being named the Steelers Coach of the Week!
— Steelers Youth Football (@SteelersYouthFB) September 2, 2026
Coach Mottes led the Vikings to a statement 34-14 upset over Avonworth in a Class 3A showdown at Tony Dorsett Stadium. Congratulations, Coach Mottes!@GiantEagle | #ThisIsHSFootballpic.twitter.com/m7ktMDGzux
Each week during the high school football season, the Pittsburgh Steelers will select a coach of the week, which is someone who had a big victory like Mottes’ program, a turnaround season, does work in the community or makes a lasting impact on student-athletes.
Each winner is invited and honored at a Steelers home game, receives a signed certificate by Steelers President Art Rooney II and head coach Mike McCarthy, along with a $2,000 donation toward their football program.
Since Mottes took over as head coach in 2024, Hopewell has drastically improved, winning four games for the first time since 2017.
Last season, the team posted a 7-5 mark and reached the playoffs in Class 3A with a wild card and won its first-round playoff game against Southmoreland after reaching the postseason for the first time since 2013.
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After a statement victory over Avonworth, Hopewell has big aspirations with one of the top quarterbacks in the country in James Armstrong, along with another host of star talent including Nasir Wade, Avery Bokor, Tre Cameron and Aris Haniotes.
Hopewell will now set its sights on Chartiers Valley in Week 2. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2.
Ethan Morrison is the sports reporter for the Beaver County Times. Contact him at emorrison@usatodayco.com and follow him at EthanMorrison26 on X.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Hopewell football head coach Matt Mottes named Steelers Coach of the Week