Well, it is hard to believe that it is already mid August. Which means that football season has officially arrived. The Nordonia Knights played their first game for the 2023 season with the annual season kickoff against the Bedford Bearcats, winning their first game with a score of 16-8. With Ben Chesser leading in passing, Rocco DeLorenzo in rushing, and Danny Ours in receiving, the Knights were able to take a lead to win their first game of the season.
Some of the highlights of the game include a touchdown called back and a sequence on the offense. The touchdown came from Rocco DeLorenzo with 2 minutes and 29 seconds left in the first quarter, with Connell Rafferty, the Knights kicker, giving them the extra point. Another highlight included the field goal from kicker Connell Rafferty at the end of the first half, which allowed an 8 point lead for the Knights to end the first half.
The Bearcats had momentum within the second half of the game, with a touchdown coming in at 2 minutes and 53 seconds in the third quarter. The kick then came in as good; leaving the game at a 1 point deficit. The third quarter was a nail biter, but the Knights had powered through it and came back with a touchdown coming in at 7 minutes and 35 seconds left within the third quarter; where the fourth quarter was silent from both teams.
“Thank you to all the fans, marching band, cheerleaders, community members that made Friday very special home opener at Boliantz Stadium. The atmosphere was awesome and I am very pleased our team persevered to get a win. Our special teams played a big role in overcoming a few miss cues to hold onto the lead. Kicker, Connell Rafferty, made 4 kicks that proved to be the difference.” Head Coach Jeffrey Fox told Nordonia Hills News, “I’m really excited to see how many of our inexperienced players grow from here as we look to improve against a great Berea-Midpark team in another home game this week.”
The game featured a theme for those who are starting kindergarten this fall, allowing those families and their students to walk around the track to help kindergarteners get excited for a school year they’ll never forget. The game also featured an extraordinary halftime performance from the Nordonia High School Marching Band and Bedford High School Marching Band. The Knights will return home to Boliantz Stadium on Friday, August 25th at 7:00 pm to defend their winning week against the Berea-Midpark High School Titans.
Click here for more pictures by Jeff Garvas
Click here to watch Jeff Garvas Cheer video
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