By Tim Troglen
View more pictures from the game: https://photos.garvas.org/2022berea
All photos by Jeff Garvas
After falling behind early in Friday’s road game in George Finne Stadium the Nordonia Knights football team showed why they are a division powerhouse by holding on to 37 – 34 win against the Titans of Berea-Midpark and lifting their early season record to 2-0.
The Knights offense was led by three seniors, quarterback, Joey Palinkas, wide receiver, Devin Tufts and running back, Zach Zender.
Palinkas finished 14 of 21 for 125 yards and 1 passing touchdown. Palinkas also ran for a touchdown and gained 39 yards rushing on12 attempts.
Tufts averaged over 15 yards a reception, hauling in 4 passes for 62 yards. Tufts also had a 60 yard punt return for a touchdown.
Zender gained 60 yards on 23 carries and averaged a tough 2.6 yards per carry. He also passed for a 27 yard touchdown to junior wide receiver Mike Ebert and scored on a 2-point conversion.
Senior wide receiver Nolan Cribbs caught 4 passes for 22 yards and 1 touchdown.
Junior kicker Connell Rafferty had a tough night with 2 missed extra points. However, in Rafferty’s defense, one of the kicks was blocked.
Knights kicker Craig Aiken added 5 points with 25-yard field goal and 2 extra points.
But it was defense that helped seal the game in the fourth quarter when linebacker Rocco DeLorenzo picked up a Titan’s fumble and took it 15 yards the other way for a touchdown.
On the other side of the ball Troy Shick was 17 of 28 passing with 192 yards and 1 touchdown. Hudson Devins had 24 carries for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns. Austin Clay had 6 catches for 65 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Time of possession was 21:36 for the Knights and 25:35 for the Titans.
The Knights had 113 rushing yards on 38 attempts to 135 yards on 39 attempts for the Titans. Total passing yards were 152 for the Knights and 192 for the Titans.
Nordonia faces the 2-0 Mayfield Wildcats September 2, at home at 7 p.m.
Mayfield beat Jackson (Massillon) 48-10 Friday.