Knights score 15 unanswered points in the final quarter, but the early deficit proves too much in a 23-21 road loss
Game Summary
Highland built a 23-0 halftime lead and held off a furious Nordonia comeback to escape with a 23-21 win Friday night. The Knights trailed by as many as 23 points before scoring three touchdowns over the final two quarters. Nordonia’s rally began in the third quarter on a 51-yard touchdown pass from Steven Fakult to Jamiere Davis, though the two point conversion failed, cutting the deficit to 23-6. Highland’s defense held firm through most of the fourth quarter until Fakult connected with Davis again, this time for 79 yards, and Nordonia converted the two point try to make it 23-14. A late touchdown pass from Fakult to Grant Kaminski with one second remaining pulled the Knights to within two, but the extra point attempt was the last scoring play of the game. Nordonia’s comeback fell just short, and the Knights dropped to 3-1 on the season.
Offensive Performance
Fakult carried the passing attack, completing 21 of 33 attempts for 297 yards and three touchdowns. Davis was his top target, hauling in three catches for 130 yards and both of his long touchdown grabs. Grant Kaminski added eight receptions for 101 yards and a score, while Brock Barwidi caught six passes for 47 yards. On the ground, CJ Mayes led Nordonia with 51 yards on nine carries. Highland’s offense leaned on the run early, with Evan Foust rushing for 69 yards, before quarterback Colton Wadle threw for 160 yards and two touchdowns, including a 72 yard connection with Owen Zielinski.
Turnovers and Penalties
Nordonia’s night was complicated by three turnovers, including two interceptions thrown by Fakult and a lost fumble. Highland did not turn the ball over. The Knights were also penalized five times for 45 yards, compared to four penalties for 25 yards on Highland. Despite the turnover margin, Nordonia still outgained Highland in total yardage, finishing with 397 yards to Highland’s 295.
Scoring Summary
Highland scored all 23 of its points in the first half, starting with a 21 yard touchdown pass from Wadle to Foust in the first quarter. The Hornets added a 28 yard touchdown pass to Ben Radigan and three field goals from Jonah Kowza in the second quarter to take a 23-0 lead into the break. Nordonia’s response came entirely in the second half. Fakult found Davis for touchdowns of 51 and 79 yards, and closed the game with a 19 yard scoring pass to Kaminski, but the Knights ran out of time to complete the comeback.
Looking Ahead
Nordonia will look to bounce back when it returns home to face Hudson on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. for the Knights’ homecoming game. Nordonia enters the matchup at 3-1 on the season.
FAQs
- What was the final score of the Nordonia vs. Highland football game?
Highland defeated Nordonia 23-21. - Who led Nordonia in passing and receiving?
Steven Fakult completed 21 of 33 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns. Jamiere Davis led all receivers with 130 yards and two touchdowns on three catches. - How did Nordonia’s comeback fall short?
Trailing 23-0 at halftime, Nordonia scored 21 unanswered points in the second half but ran out of time after a late touchdown pulled the Knights within two points. - How many turnovers did Nordonia have?
Nordonia turned the ball over three times, including two interceptions and a lost fumble, while Highland did not turn the ball over. - When does Nordonia play next?
Nordonia returns home to face Hudson on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.
