The Nordonia Knights football squad, now 10-2, appears to be hitting on all cylinders as it walked over South for its second Division II, Region 5, playoff win. The final score was Knights 42, and South 17.
The only losses this year were a 28 -20 away conference defeat September 10, against North Royalton and an October 8, home conference loss of 27-13 to SMFHS.
Nordonia’s last state championship appearance was a 2014 loss to Cincinnati LaSalle and a 2002 loss to Dayton Chaminade-Julienne, according to Rob Eckenrode, high school athletic director.
Eckenrode said he is “extremely proud of how the team has come together as a tight knit group.“
“Their ability to work together is the primary reason for their success,” he added.
The 10-2 record means more than just moving a pigskin on a line-marked field better than another team.
“They mean that we are providing our student-athletes with the necessary tools to be successful”, the AD said. “Success by any of our athletic teams provide the school with a great deal of pride and camaraderie for our students.
The wins also help feed the school’s winning tradition.
“Our winning tradition permeates the school district and promotes a sense of pride in all of our students, staff and community members,” Eckenrode said.
And while the players are on the field taking the hits, the fans travel to every game supporting the team and players.
“I can’t thank our fans enough for their support throughout the season,” he said. “It means a great deal to the team and provides them with confidence knowing that their school and community are backing them.”
Eckenrode also credits Head Coach, Jeff Fox, and his staff for the winning season, which continues.
“I would like to thank Head Football Coach Jeff Fox and his entire coaching staff for all of their hard work and dedication to our student-athletes,” he said.
Fox knows about hard work and coaching winning players.
On November 5, Nordonia beat Willoughby South 42-17. Fox was a former coach for South. A young running back, Kareem Hunt, played for Fox. Hunt is now running back with the Cleveland Browns.
During Fox’s tenure at Nordonia, a cornerback went on to play in the pros. Denzel Ward joins Hunt as a Cleveland Brown and member of the Fox pro club.
Other wins include:
* August 20, at home, Bedford 47-18
* August 27, at home, Berea-Midpark 28-27
* September 17, away, Twinsburg 57-7
* September 24, home, Wadsworth 35-0
* October 1, away, Hudson, 29/28
* October 15, away, BBHHS 45-20
* October 22, home, Benedictine 23-20
* PLAYOFF October 29, John Hay 40-0 and November 11, South, 42-17.
Next game – Hoban.
