Fakult throws four touchdown passes and Schiavone’s fumble return proves pivotal as Knights survive wild finish
Nordonia held off a furious Villa Angela-St. Joseph comeback Friday night, winning a back and forth shootout 41-39 at home to improve to 3-0 on the season. The Knights led for most of the game but had to fend off a fourth quarter push from VASJ that came up just short.
Quarterback Fakult was efficient through the air, completing 17 of 25 passes for 284 yards and four touchdowns. His scoring throws went to four different targets, spreading the ball around an offense that piled up 351 total yards.
Offensive Firepower On Both Sides
Nordonia’s passing attack carried the load. Jackson hauled in six catches for 149 yards and a touchdown, including a long gain of 70 yards. Davis added two receptions for 56 yards and a score, while Mayes and Barwidi each caught touchdown passes as well.
On the ground, Mayes led Nordonia with 53 yards on 14 carries and also scored a rushing touchdown. The Knights ran for 67 total yards as a team, relying far more heavily on the arm of Fakult than the legs of their backfield.
VASJ countered with a punishing rushing attack. Taylor was the workhorse, gaining 177 yards on 18 carries with two touchdowns, and Wright chipped in 149 yards on 25 attempts with a score of his own. VASJ finished with 387 yards on the ground and 443 total yards, outgaining Nordonia despite the loss.
Turnovers And Penalties Shape Game
Penalties were a story of the night. Nordonia was flagged 21 times for 127 yards, a number that could have proven costly against a team that scored 39 points. VASJ was penalized nine times for 72 yards.
Both teams turned the ball over twice. Fakult threw one interception, and Nordonia lost a fumble as well. VASJ also finished with two turnovers, including a fumble that Schiavone scooped up and returned 30 yards for a Nordonia touchdown in the first quarter. That defensive score proved to be one of the biggest plays of the game given how close the final margin turned out to be.
Scoring Summary
Nordonia jumped ahead early. Fakult connected with Mayes on a four yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, and Schiavone’s fumble return made it 14 to 0 shortly after. VASJ answered with a Harris touchdown pass to Black, but Fakult found Barwidi for another score to push the lead to 21 to 6 before the first quarter ended.
VASJ trimmed the deficit in the second quarter on a Taylor touchdown run, but Nordonia answered again. Mayes scored on the ground and Fakult hit Jackson for a touchdown, giving the Knights a 34 to 19 halftime cushion.
The third quarter belonged to VASJ, which scored twice to cut the lead to 34 to 32. Nordonia responded with a Fakult touchdown pass to Davis to make it 41 to 32 heading into the fourth quarter. VASJ scored one final time on a Taylor touchdown run, but Nordonia’s defense closed out the 41 to 39 win.
Looking Ahead
Nordonia moves to 3-0 on the season and hits the road next Friday, September 11, for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Highland. The Hornets enter the matchup at 2-1 after dropping their opener to Walsh Jesuit but rattling off back to back wins, including a 55-20 rout of Avon Lake last night. Highland has scored 86 points and allowed 81 through three games, and the Knights will need to be ready for a team playing with momentum.
There was a lot happening!
We had a presentation of the rings for the Flag Football Champs.
It was Kindergarden Night and also the Eight Grade Band playing with the High School Band!
FAQs
1. What was the final score of the Nordonia vs VASJ game?
Nordonia won 41-39.
2. How many touchdown passes did Fakult throw?
Fakult threw four touchdown passes, completing 17 of 25 attempts for 284 yards.
3. Who led Nordonia in receiving?
Jackson led the Knights with six catches for 149 yards and a touchdown.
4. What turnover swung momentum in the first quarter?
Schiavone returned a fumble 30 yards for a Nordonia touchdown, helping the Knights build an early lead.
5. How many penalties did Nordonia commit?
Nordonia was penalized 21 times for 127 yards.
