Knights host Vikings tonight at 7 as both teams search for answers on defense
Nordonia brings a 2-0 record into tonight’s home matchup against Villa Angela-St. Joseph, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. The Knights have outscored their first two opponents by a combined margin of 95-19, opening the season with a 49-7 win over St. Vincent-St. Mary and following it up with a 46-12 victory over East.
Villa Angela-St. Joseph arrives at 1-1. The Vikings dropped their opener to Perkins 44-41 in double overtime before bouncing back with a 47-6 win over Taft. Both of those results point to an offense that can move the ball in a hurry, and a defense that has had trouble slowing anyone down.
A Test of Two Offenses
Nordonia has looked sharp through two weeks under new head coach Scott Barwidi, piling up points early and often. Villa Angela-St. Joseph has matched that offensive production, scoring 41 points against Perkins and 47 against Taft. Neither team has allowed fewer than 19 points in a game this season, which suggests tonight could turn into a track meet rather than a defensive struggle.
The Vikings’ loss to Perkins came down to overtime possessions, a sign that their offense can hang with just about anyone even when the defense is scuffling. Taft managed only 6 points against them a week later, though Taft entered that game with an 0-1 record of its own, so it is not yet clear which version of the Vikings defense shows up on a given Friday.
Looking Ahead
Nordonia enters tonight at 2-0 and looks to build on its fast start against a Villa Angela-St. Joseph team that has shown flashes on offense but leaked points on defense through two games. A win would keep the Knights unbeaten heading into their next stretch of the schedule.
FAQs
- What time does Nordonia play Villa Angela-St. Joseph tonight?
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Nordonia. - What is Nordonia’s record this season?
Nordonia is 2-0 after wins over St. Vincent-St. Mary and East. - What is Villa Angela-St. Joseph’s record this season?
Villa Angela-St. Joseph is 1-1, with a double overtime loss to Perkins and a win over Taft. - Who is Nordonia’s head coach?
Scott Barwidi is in his first season leading the Knights. - Where is Villa Angela-St. Joseph located?
Villa Angela-St. Joseph is a Cleveland high school on the city’s east side.
