A one-point loss to Sparta kept Hopkins from finishing the O-K Silver Conference as league runner-up. But the Vikings still await word about post-season playoffs because their late season surge powered them to a 5-4 overall record.

Their 38-22 victory Friday night over visiting Belding was particularly satisfying. The Black Knights last year defeated Hopkins in the opening round of the post-season playoffs a year ago.

The Vikings jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the first quarter and maintained the gap at 22-14 at intermission. They were up 30-22 when the fourth period began and managed to add a touchdown and two point conversion in the final 12 minutes.

Comstock Park won the Silver crown with a 6-0 record, Sparta was 5-1 and Hopkins 4-2. That’s why the one-point loss hurt.

Belding, with the loss, fell to 5-4 on the campaign.