Nordonia’s Passing Attack Meets a Powerful Rangers Ground Game Friday Night in Macedonia
Football Playoff Showdown
Inside the Matchup: Nordonia Knights vs. Eastlake North Rangers
November 2 | Macedonia, Ohio
By Christopher Hovanetz
The postseason is here, and the Nordonia Knights are preparing for one of their biggest tests of the season. After earning a first-round bye, Nordonia is set to welcome the Eastlake North Rangers to Macedonia for a Division II, Region 5 regional quarterfinal.
North enters the matchup with an impressive 10–1 record, while Nordonia comes in at 9–1.
Both teams have proven they can put points on the scoreboard, and both have playmakers capable of changing the game.
This isn’t just another Friday night. It’s playoff football, where every possession matters and one big play can change everything.
Game Information
- Matchup: Eastlake North Rangers at Nordonia Knights
- Date: Friday, November 6
- Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Nordonia High School, Macedonia, Ohio
- Division: OHSAA Division II, Region 5
- Round: Regional quarterfinal
Nordonia Knights: The Home Team
The Knights enter the postseason with a 9–1 record and the advantage of playing at home.
Nordonia has averaged 38.3 points per game and has scored 383 points this season.
The Knights have an offense capable of attacking through the air and on the ground.
Offensive Players to Watch
Steven Fakult, Quarterback (#11)
Fakult is the engine of the Nordonia offense. He is averaging 223.4 passing yards per game and 253 total yards per game.
His ability to make plays through the air and extend possessions will be one of the biggest factors in Friday’s matchup.
CJ Mayes, Running Back (#2)
Mayes gives Nordonia another offensive weapon. He is averaging 58.7 rushing yards per game and provides an important ground-game presence.
If Nordonia can establish its running game, it could make things difficult for the North defense.
Collin Atha, Wide Receiver (#12)
Atha is averaging 57.3 receiving yards per game. His ability to make plays downfield gives Fakult another important option in the passing attack.
Defensive Players to Watch
Trent Foster, Linebacker/Defensive End (#22)
Foster has been a major contributor defensively, averaging 7.8 tackles per game.
His ability to help control the middle of the field will be important against North’s rushing attack.
Dom Schiavone, Defensive Tackle (#74)
Schiavone is averaging 0.6 sacks per game. His presence in the trenches will be important as Nordonia looks to disrupt North’s offense.
Jackson Neal, Kicker (#38)
Neal gives Nordonia an important special-teams option. In a playoff game, every scoring opportunity matters.
Eastlake North Rangers: The Challenger
North isn’t traveling to Macedonia just to participate.
The Rangers enter at 10–1 and have scored 395 points while allowing only 124 points throughout the season.
North is coming off a dominant 41–0 playoff victory over Brush.
That performance showed just how dangerous the Rangers can be when everything is working.
Offensive Players to Watch
King Mattice, Running Back (#11)
Mattice is one of North’s biggest offensive weapons.
Season statistics:
- 791 rushing yards.
- 7.1 yards per carry.
- 5 rushing touchdowns.
Mattice’s ability to gain yards consistently makes him a major player for Nordonia’s defense to watch.
Josh Fenick, Offensive Playmaker (#25)
Fenick has been one of the Rangers’ most productive players.
Season statistics:
- 299 rushing yards.
- 13 total touchdowns.
- 86 total scoring points.
He also contributes defensively, making him a player who can influence the game on both sides of the ball.
Javion Whaley, Running Back (#8)
Whaley brings another explosive option to the North offense.
Season statistics:
- 479 rushing yards.
- 10.4 yards per carry.
- 60 punt-return yards.
- 2 touchdowns.
His production makes North’s ground attack particularly dangerous.
Kaydn Young, Running Back (#28)
Young adds even more depth to the Rangers’ rushing attack with 399 rushing yards and 6.0 yards per carry.
Defensive Players to Watch
John Murphy (#52)
Murphy has been a major defensive presence.
Season statistics:
- 7 sacks.
- 20 tackles for loss.
His ability to pressure opposing offenses makes him one of the most important defensive players in this matchup.
Brand Bambrick (#4)
Bambrick has recorded four interceptions this season.
His ability to create turnovers could be especially important against Fakult and Nordonia’s passing attack.
Josh Fenick (#25)
Fenick has also made an impact defensively, recording five sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
North has multiple players capable of creating pressure, which could make life difficult for the Knights’ offense.
The Matchup: Three Things That Could Decide the Game
1. Can Nordonia Control the Line of Scrimmage?
North has a productive rushing attack led by Mattice, Whaley and Young. Nordonia’s defensive front and linebackers will need to limit their opportunities.
2. Can Fakult Get the Passing Game Going?
Fakult’s passing ability gives Nordonia a major offensive weapon. However, North’s defensive players, especially Bambrick and Murphy, could make things challenging.
3. Who Wins the Turnover Battle?
In playoff football, turnovers can change momentum quickly. Both teams will need to protect the football and take advantage of opportunities.
By the Numbers
Overall record
- Nordonia: 9–1
- North: 10–1
Points scored
- Nordonia: 383
- North: 395
Points allowed
- Nordonia: 189
- North: 124
Points per game
- Nordonia: 38.3
- North: 35.9
Playoff wins
- Nordonia: Bye
- North: 41–0 vs. Brush
Final Take: A Playoff Battle in Macedonia
On paper, this matchup has all the ingredients for an exciting playoff game.
Nordonia has a productive passing attack, experienced offensive weapons and home-field advantage.
North brings a dangerous rushing attack, a strong defensive front and plenty of momentum after shutting out Brush.
The Knights will need to play disciplined football, protect Fakult and find ways to slow down Mattice and the Rangers’ rushing attack.
The crowd at Nordonia will have an opportunity to make its presence felt as the Knights begin their postseason journey.
One team moves closer to a regional championship. The other sees its season come to an end.
Friday night, Knight Nation has a playoff game to get behind.
GO KNIGHTS!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Nordonia vs. Eastlake North playoff game?
The Division II, Region 5 regional quarterfinal kicks off Friday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. at Nordonia High School in Macedonia.
What are the records for Nordonia and Eastlake North?
Nordonia enters at 9–1 after a first-round bye, and Eastlake North enters at 10–1.
How did Eastlake North reach the regional quarterfinal?
The Rangers beat Brush 41–0 in their first-round playoff game.
Who are Nordonia’s key offensive players?
Quarterback Steven Fakult averages 223.4 passing yards per game, running back CJ Mayes averages 58.7 rushing yards and receiver Collin Atha averages 57.3 receiving yards.
Which Eastlake North players should Nordonia watch?
Running back King Mattice has 791 rushing yards, Josh Fenick has 13 total touchdowns plus five sacks, John Murphy has 7 sacks and Brand Bambrick has four interceptions.
