Knights Go for Sixth Straight Win Against Grizzlies Team Coming off a Last-Second Loss
Nordonia wraps up its regular season tonight with a road trip to Wadsworth. Kickoff at Art Wright Stadium is set for 7 p.m.
Both teams enter at 8-1. Both teams also own their only loss to the same opponent, Highland. Nordonia fell to the Hornets 23-21 on Sept. 11. Wadsworth dropped a 29-28 decision at Highland last Friday.
Knights Riding a Five-Game Win Streak
Nordonia has not lost since that night in Granger. The Knights beat Hudson 23-9, North Royalton 34-25, Solon 44-14 and Stow-Munroe Falls 45-14 before handling Medina 38-13 last week.
Through nine games, first-year head coach Scott Barwidi’s team has scored 341 points, an average of about 38 per game. The defense has allowed 156, or roughly 17 per game.
Senior Karsen Fisher led the defensive effort against Medina. He posted a season-best 2.5 sacks to go with three tackles.
Wadsworth Looking to Bounce Back
Wadsworth entered last week unbeaten and riding an eight-game win streak. That ended in a rainstorm at Highland.
The Grizzlies led 28-23 late in the fourth quarter. Highland intercepted quarterback Brysen Hall with under three minutes to play. The Hornets then scored on a 6-yard touchdown pass with no time left on the clock.
Wadsworth features an offense led by quarterback Brysen Hall, with contributions from running backs Jude Haller and Braydan Todd and receiver Jay’len King.
Wadsworth may come out with something to prove after a heartbreaker. Nordonia should expect a physical, motivated opponent on the road.
Playoff Seeding Stakes
According to the Oct. 20 OHSAA Division II, Region 5 computer rankings, Nordonia enters the final week in third place, while Wadsworth sits fifth. Both teams are positioned to host a playoff game, but the final seeding remains unsettled.
The top four teams in each region receive a first-round bye. A Nordonia victory would strengthen the Knights’ chances of securing one of those spots, while Wadsworth can significantly improve its position with a win. Final rankings will depend on results across the region.
Looking Ahead
Nordonia (8-1) plays at Wadsworth (8-1) tonight at 7 p.m. The OHSAA is scheduled to release final computer rankings and playoff pairings Sunday, Oct. 25.
FAQs
1. When and where does Nordonia play Wadsworth?
Nordonia plays at Wadsworth on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. at Art Wright Stadium.
2. What are Nordonia’s and Wadsworth’s records?
Both teams are 8-1. Each team’s only loss came against Highland.
3. Has Nordonia clinched a playoff spot?
Yes. Nordonia has secured a playoff berth and is positioned to host a postseason game. Its final seed will be determined after the regular season concludes.
4. Can Nordonia earn a first-round playoff bye?
Yes. Nordonia enters the final regular-season game ranked third in Division II, Region 5. The top four teams receive first-round byes. A victory over Wadsworth would strengthen the Knights’ position, although other regional results will determine the final seed.
5. Who is Nordonia’s head coach?
Scott Barwidi is in his first season leading the Knights.
