Fakult and the Nordonia offense look to keep rolling against one of the area’s most established programs
The celebration from Barwidi’s coaching debut didn’t last long. Nordonia is back at it tonight, hosting Akron East at Boliantz Stadium for Fall Sports Senior Night — and this one carries a very different weight than last week’s 49-7 win over St. Vincent-St. Mary.
A Different Kind of Opponent
Where St. Vincent-St. Mary was a rebuilding team, Akron East is anything but. The Dragons won the Akron City Series championship last season, finished 10-3 overall, and have made the playoffs six straight years under head coach Marques Hayes, who enters his 15th season at the helm. East also added transfer Marcus Council Jr. this offseason, a two-way playmaker who starred last year at Streetsboro.
If last week’s opener showed what this Nordonia offense can do against a team still finding its footing, tonight will show how it holds up against a program built to win now.
Knights Riding Momentum
Nordonia enters undefeated and full of confidence after Fakult’s five-touchdown night against St. Vincent-St. Mary. The junior quarterback threw for 358 yards, completing 17 of 20 passes, and spread the ball to four different receivers rather than leaning on one target. Atha led the way with 151 yards and two scores, while Barwidi, Fisher and Jackson each found the end zone as well.
The Knights backed that up with 182 rushing yards on the ground, and jumped out to a 28-0 lead before St. Vincent-St. Mary had run 15 offensive plays. The question tonight is whether that kind of fast start is possible against a Dragons defense that’s used to playing — and winning — meaningful games in November.
What to Watch
Akron East’s success under Hayes has been built on discipline and physicality, the kind of test that tends to expose whether a fast start last week was about a rebuilding opponent or a genuinely improved Nordonia team. Council’s presence on both sides of the ball gives the Dragons a player capable of changing the game with his legs, his hands, or as a tackler.
For Nordonia, containing Council while keeping their own offensive balance — Fakult’s arm paired with a rushing attack that got contributions from multiple backs last week — will likely decide the outcome.
FAQS
Who does Nordonia play tonight?
Nordonia hosts Akron East at Boliantz Stadium on Fall Sports Senior Night.
What is Akron East’s recent history?
The Dragons won last year’s Akron City Series championship, finished 10-3, and have made the playoffs six straight seasons under head coach Marques Hayes.
Who is a player to watch for Akron East?
Transfer Marcus Council Jr., a two-way playmaker who starred last season at Streetsboro.
How did Nordonia look in its opener?
The Knights beat St. Vincent-St. Mary 49-7, with Fakult throwing for 358 yards and five touchdowns.
