BRECKSVILLE – Nordonia overcame an early deficit to defeat Brecksville-Broadview Heights 23-13 Friday night, keeping their perfect season intact at 4-0.
The Knights found themselves trailing 13-6 at halftime before exploding for 20 second-half points to secure their fourth consecutive victory. Nordonia dominated time of possession, controlling the ball for over 31 minutes compared to Brecksville’s 16 minutes.
Running back Whapham led the Knights’ ground assault with 170 yards on 29 carries, including a crucial 4-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. The Knights rushed for 217 total yards on 56 attempts, averaging nearly 4 yards per carry.
Quarterback Fakult completed 22 of 37 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with receiver Atha for a 58-yard scoring strike in the third quarter. Atha finished as the game’s leading receiver with 93 yards.
Brecksville struck first with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Heneger to Murphy in the opening quarter, then extended their lead to 13-6 on a 25-yard scoring connection between the same duo in the second quarter. Murphy caught 65 yards worth of passes to lead the Bees.
The turning point came in the third quarter when Nordonia scored twice to take a 20-13 lead. After Fakult found Atha for the 58-yard touchdown, Whapham punched in his rushing score later in the quarter. The Knights added a 28-yard field goal by Neal in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Nordonia’s defense forced one turnover while committing just one of their own. The Knights were penalized seven times for 70 yards compared to Brecksville’s three penalties for 15 yards.
The victory improves Nordonia to 1-0 in Suburban National Conference play. Brecksville-Broadview Heights falls to 2-2 overall.
Nordonia returns home next Friday, September 19 to face Solon.
All photos by Austin Stanek
