Nordonia and St. Vincent-St. Mary both enter Friday night at 0-0, but the storylines behind each record could not be more different. The Knights arrive with a new head coach and a program coming off a winning season. The Fighting Irish are hoping a fresh start helps them climb out of one of the toughest stretches in recent team history. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron.
A New Voice Leads the Knights
Nordonia football looks a little different this fall. Longtime head coach Jeff Fox stepped away after 14 seasons to become athletic director at his alma mater, Willoughby South. Fox leaves Macedonia with a record of 106 wins and 56 losses and 11 OHSAA playoff appearances, including a run to the state championship game in 2014 with a roster that featured future Ohio State and Cleveland Browns standout Denzel Ward.
Taking over is Scott Barwidi, who spent 18 seasons on the Nordonia staff in nearly every role imaginable, from strength and conditioning coach to defensive backs coach to assistant head coach. He also led the Nordonia track and field program for over a decade, winning 13 league titles along the way. School officials have pointed to Barwidi’s deep roots in the program as a source of continuity heading into the new season.
Nordonia finished last season 8 and 4 overall and 4 and 3 in the Suburban League National Division, good for third place. That success gives Barwidi a solid foundation as he steps into the top job.
Fighting Irish Look to Rebuild
St. Vincent-St. Mary enters the 2026 season looking to move past a difficult 2025 campaign that ended 0 and 9. The Fighting Irish, one of the most storied programs in the state and alma mater of NBA great LeBron James, are working to reestablish themselves under new football leadership this fall. Akron based teams have historically provided tough nonconference tests for Northeast Ohio squads, and St. Vincent-St. Mary will be eager to show improvement in front of its home crowd.
History Favors the Knights
The two programs met last season, and Nordonia handled the Fighting Irish 42 to 0. Friday’s game gives St. Vincent-St. Mary a chance to close that gap early in a fresh season, while Nordonia looks to open the Barwidi era with a statement win on the road.
Both teams are still searching for their first win of 2026, which means Friday’s result will shape the early tone of each program’s season.
FAQs
Who is Nordonia’s new head football coach?
Scott Barwidi has taken over as Nordonia’s head football coach after 18 seasons on the staff in various coaching roles.
Why did Jeff Fox leave Nordonia?
Fox stepped down after 14 seasons to become athletic director at Willoughby South High School, his alma mater.
What was St. Vincent-St. Mary’s record last season?
The Fighting Irish finished the 2025 season with a record of 0 and 9.
Where and when is the game being played?
The game kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday at St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron.
What was the result of last year’s matchup between these teams?
Nordonia defeated St. Vincent-St. Mary 42 to 0 in their most recent meeting.
