Knights build early lead, survive fourth quarter rally to stay unbeaten at home this season
The Nordonia Knights held off a late push from North Royalton on Friday, winning 34-25 in a Suburban League matchup at home. The victory pushes Nordonia to 5-1 on the season. North Royalton falls to 3-3.
Game Summary
Nordonia jumped ahead early and never trailed. The Knights led 14-7 after the first quarter and carried a 21-19 edge into halftime. North Royalton clawed within single digits by the break, but Nordonia answered every push. A third quarter score put the Knights up 27-19, and neither team found the end zone again until the fourth quarter, when both sides traded late touchdowns to settle the final margin at 34-25.
Quarter by Quarter
North Royalton opened with 7 points in the first quarter and matched that with 12 in the second, its highest scoring frame of the night. The Bears were shut out in the third quarter before closing with 6 in the fourth.
Nordonia countered with 14 points in the first quarter, 7 in the second, 6 in the third and 7 in the fourth. The balanced scoring across all four quarters reflected the kind of complete performance the Knights have shown for most of the season.
Key Players
Nordonia’s season long production has been driven by a handful of names. Quarterback Steven Fakult leads the team averaging 251.3 passing yards and 277.0 total yards per game this season. Running back CJ Mayes paces the ground game with an average of 55.0 rushing yards per contest.
Wide receiver Dominick Jackson averages 65.0 receiving yards per game, giving Fakult a reliable downfield target. On defense, Brock Barwidi leads the Knights with an average of 9.7 tackles per game, while Judah Buxton averages 1.0 sacks per game up front. Kicker Jackson Neal contributes an average of 1.0 points per game on special teams.
By the Numbers
Nordonia carries a 5 win, 1 loss record overall and a 2 win, 1 loss mark in league play. North Royalton sits at 3 wins, 3 losses overall and 0 wins, 3 losses in conference games this season.
Looking Ahead
Nordonia travels to Solon on Friday, October 2, for a Suburban League matchup against the Comets, who enter the game with a 3-3 record. Solon lost its most recent league game 38-3 to Hudson.
FAQs
1. What was the final score of the Nordonia and North Royalton game?
Nordonia won 34-25.
2. What is Nordonia’s record after the win?
Nordonia improved to a 5 win, 1 loss record on the season.
3. What is North Royalton’s record after the loss?
North Royalton fell to a 3 win, 3 loss record on the season.
4. Who are Nordonia’s key players this season?
Quarterback Steven Fakult, running back CJ Mayes, receiver Dominick Jackson, linebacker Brock Barwidi, defensive lineman Judah Buxton and kicker Jackson Neal have all been top season averages leaders for the Knights.
5. Who does Nordonia play next?
Nordonia travels to Solon on Friday, October 2, for a Suburban League matchup.
