Fakult throws 3 touchdowns as Nordonia improves to 7-3
Knights finish 7-3, set to host Twinsburg in playoff opener
MACEDONIA – The Nordonia Knights wrapped up their regular season Friday night with a convincing 34-14 victory over Stow at home, finishing with a 7-3 record heading into the playoffs.
Quarterback Steven Fakult orchestrated the Knights’ aerial attack, completing 19 of 30 passes for 289 yards and three touchdowns. His connection with wide receiver Collin Atha proved unstoppable, as Atha hauled in six catches for 125 yards and a touchdown, including a 73-yard scoring strike in the first quarter that gave Nordonia an early 7-0 lead.
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The Knights exploded for 27 second-quarter points to take command. Fakult found Karsen Fisher for a 17-yard touchdown pass, then connected with Dominick Jackson on an 11-yard scoring throw. Kicker Riley Edgehouse added two field goals in the quarter, including a 32-yarder as time expired to send Nordonia into halftime with a commanding 27-7 advantage.
Stow’s offense struggled to find consistency against the Knights’ defense. Running back Luke Harrington provided the Bulldogs’ lone bright spots with 67 yards rushing and two touchdown runs, including scores of seven yards and one yard.
The Knights’ balanced offensive approach included 128 rushing yards on 28 attempts. Running back CJ Mayes led the ground game with 42 yards on five carries, while John Koran capped the scoring with a 27-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Nordonia dominated statistically, accumulating 417 total yards compared to Stow’s 317. The Knights converted on third downs effectively and controlled time of possession despite Stow holding the ball for 26 minutes.
The Knights’ defense forced four turnovers, including two interceptions of Stow quarterback Jack Darrow, who completed 17 of 27 passes for 220 yards. Wide receiver Aidan Keeling caught six passes for 67 yards to pace the Bulldogs.
Nordonia committed 10 penalties for 65 yards but overcame the mistakes with explosive plays. The Knights’ receiving corps spread the wealth, with eight different players catching passes. Grant Kaminski added four catches for 46 yards, while Max Poulin and AJ Vawters contributed to the passing attack.
The Knights will host Twinsburg (6-4) in the first round of the Division II playoffs on Friday, Oct. 31. As the No. 7 seed facing the No. 10 seed Tigers, Nordonia will have home-field advantage at Boliantz Stadium.
