Hudson pulled out a dramatic 42-35 double overtime victory over Nordonia Friday night in a conference matchup that saw the home team dominate statistically but fall short when it mattered most.
Nordonia controlled much of the game, outgaining Hudson 503-337 in total yards and holding a 25-18 edge in first downs. The Knights completed 24 of 37 passes for 319 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 184 yards on the ground. However, two turnovers proved costly.
Nordonia jumped ahead 7-0 in the first quarter on an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jackson. The Knights extended their lead to 14-7 early in the third quarter on a 15-yard touchdown pass to Fisher, but Hudson answered to tie it 14-14 early in the fourth.
The fourth quarter turned into a back-and-forth shootout. Whapham’s 5-yard touchdown run put Nordonia ahead 21-14, but Hudson tied it at 21-21. A 42-yard touchdown pass to Jackson restored Nordonia’s lead at 28-21, only to see Hudson answer with a 71-yard touchdown pass to tie it 28-28 with 5:33 remaining, forcing overtime.
In the first overtime, Nordonia scored on a 10-yard touchdown pass to Atha to go up 35-28, but Hudson responded with a 4-yard touchdown run to tie it 35-35. In the second overtime, Hudson scored on a 3-yard run to secure the victory.
Jackson led Nordonia’s receiving corps with eight catches for 131 yards and two touchdowns, while Atha added six receptions for 81 yards and a score. Whapham carried 25 times for 140 yards and a touchdown.
Hudson’s Home rushed for 89 yards and multiple scores, while Castellarian caught 82 yards receiving.
Nordonia struggled with discipline, committing 15 penalties for 110 yards compared to Hudson’s eight penalties for 69 yards. The Knights also missed three field goal attempts.
Nordonia closes out the regular season next week at Stow-Munroe Falls. The Bulldogs are 2-7 on the season after falling to Wadsworth 50-20 Friday night.
All photos by Austin Stanek: https://sites.google.com/view/asphoto/nordonia/football/vs-hudson?authuser=0
