By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
SAVANNAH - Savannah senior Alex Hopper was a huge part in helping the Savage football team to one of its best seasons in recent memory.
Named the team MVP in 2022, Hopper led Savannah with 1323 all-purpose yards and 13 all-purpose touchdowns, as the Savages finished the fall with a 10-2 record - the most wins since 2019 and the first share of an MEC title since 2011.
Hopper's efforts were enough to get him an offer from Ottawa University in Kansas. After verbally committing in December, Hopper made it official with his signing on Wednesday.
"Just to know I've worked very hard for this day and be able to accomplish it means a lot," Hopper said.
Hopper was a versatile weapon for Savannah, as he rushed for 556 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 19 passes for 273 yards and three scores. On special teams, he led the team with 249 kick return yards and 110 punt return yards.
As a defensive back, Hopper logged 45 tackles and an interception. When he got to visit Ottawa, he felt an immediate connection with their coaching staff.
"The facilities and the coaches," Hopper said. "They mean a lot to me. Touched my heart, actually. Just felt like that's where I want to be, and that's where my new home is."
Hopper and the Savages started last season with a 7-0 record. Savannah made it all the way to the district championship game, where they fell to rival Maryville on a last-second touchdown, 33-28.
Not the desired ending, but Hopper is grateful that he could help lay the foundation for the future.
"Our senior class will always be remembered for that," he said. "We'll have always something to come back to. If we ever do come back, we can see our 2022 (season) up there on the wall."
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