By Carson Carrell
The Nordonia Knights Football Team kicked off their season Friday night against the Hudson Explorers. The Knights fought tough from the kick off but could not sustain the battle for four quarters suffering a 50-27 loss to the Hudson Explorers.
The game started off strong for the Knights when on the Explorers first possession, Nordonia was able to cause a fumble and recover the ball deep in Hudson territory. Sal Perinne was able to charge on through the Explorers and gain the first 6 points of the night for Nordonia. Unfortunately with the wet conditions, kicking the ball proved to be more difficult than usual and Nordonia was unable to make the extra point. Soon after Nordonias touchdown, Hudson was able to score a touchdown and make the extra point for a 1 point lead.
The Knights could not match the intensity of the Explorers during the 2nd quarter. Hudson was able to score three more touchdowns before Nordonia’s QB, Billy Levak, lobbed a deep pass to Joel Jones for Nordonia’s second touchdown of the night. Unfortunately the Knights could not make the 2 point conversion so the score remained 28-12 in favor of the Explorers.
Near the end of the 2nd Quarter Ryan Russ was able to make a beautiful read and intercept the ball for a Nordonia possession; however, the Knights were unable to get it across the goal line.
At the beginning of the 3rd quarter the Knights were off to a rough start. Billy Levak was sacked for a loss of yards and then Nordonia drew a flag putting them at the goal line. It was 4th down and Nordonia was going to punt the ball, but when the ball was snapped it just tipped the finger of the kicker and went out of bounds causing a safety and putting the Explorers up 2 more points. Hudson was then able to score a touchdown and kick for 3 points before Nordonia’s Billy Levak was able to pass to Joel Jones. Jones was able to maneuver into the end zone giving Nordonia another touchdown. The Knights were then able to score a two point conversion making the score 20-40 with Hudson still in the lead.
The 4th quarter was troublesome for the Nordonia Knights. Hudson was able to score ten points before Nordonia’s Sal Perinne ran it in for a touchdown. The extra point brought the final score of the game to 27-50.
The Knights have been working hard to prepare for a season with limited spectators and games. They are still determined to make the best of a peculiar season. Nordonia will be playing next Friday against Barberton at Nordonia High School, hope you tune into the live stream. As always, Go Knights! Here is their full schedule.
Carson Carrell is a Senior at Nordonia Hills High School and plays on the Varsity Hockey Team. Carson is also a Police Explorer for Sagamore Hills PD.
All photos by K.M. Klemencic
