by Macedonia, Ohio – The Hudson Explorers rallied from a double-digit deficit to stun host Nordonia, 23-22, in Suburban League action Friday night.
Hudson got the ball to start off Friday’s action. Their opening drive took nearly seven minutes off the clock, ending in a 23-yard field goal off the leg of senior Brad Masiella.
Nordonia got a huge kickoff return from Vince Natali deep into Hudson territory to set up their opening drive. The drive was thwarted two plays later when sophomore Anthony Paolucci picked off a Ben Chesser pass.
After a punt gave Nordonia back the ball, they would capitalize as senior running back Rocco DeLorenzo rushed for a two-yard touchdown. The PAT was good and the Knights led 7-3 with 1:10 left in the first quarter. DeLorenzo finished with 65 yards on 13 carries.
In the second quarter, Hudson punter Ian Katz had an impressive punt that landed at the Nordonia 1 yard line. The defense forced a three-and-out, forcing Nordonia to punt. Hudson took advantage of the short field one play later, as Nathan Judy found Louis Castellarin for a 32-yard touchdown reception. This would put the Explorers in front, 10-7, with 3:29 left in the second quarter. Castellarin had five catches for 70 yards.
Hudson would also come up with a fumble recovery to thwart another Nordonia drive. However, the Explorers were forced to punt the ball. Nordonia would work the two-minute drill to perfection, capping their drive with an 11-yard touchdown run from Liam Kountz. After an offsides penalty on the point after, Nordonia elected to go for two. Ben Chesser converted the try, and Nordonia led 15-10 with 46 seconds left in the half. They would take the margin into the locker room.
Vince Natali had another impressive return to kick off the second half for the Nordonia Knights. They would finish the drive with a two-yard rushing touchdown by senior Khylan Osbey. This increased the lead to 22-10 with 8:50 left in the third quarter. Osbey rushed for 62 yards on eight carries.
Nathan Judy rushed for a touchdown to cut the Hudson deficit to 22-17 early in the fourth quarter. He kept the Explorer drive alive with a huge run and a connection with fellow classmate Jayden Carlton.
On the ensuing drive, Nordonia looked to pad their lead to two scores. The Knights had a huge play as Ben Chesser absorbed contact, finding Danny Ours for a reception inside the Hudson ten-yard line.
However, Hudson turned the Knights away, coming up with a huge goal-line stand to get the ball back with 7:04 left.
Nathan Judy broke free for a 45-yard run to move the ball to midfield. A Brennan Funyak run got the Explorers inside the 30-yard line. One play later, a forced fumble would lead to a recovery by Vince Natali at the Nordonia 21.
Nordonia looked to eat up clock, helped by a first-down run by Rocco DeLorenzo. However, Hudson got a huge turnover, as junior Brennan Funyak picked off a third-down pass with three minutes left.
Facing fourth-and-three with 1:37 left, Nathan Judy rushed for a first down to keep the drive alive. A few plays later, Judy punched the ball in from two yards out to give Hudson the lead, 23-22, with 50 seconds left.
Junior Kyler Boyle picked off a pass with 36 seconds left for the Explorers’ fourth turnover of the game. One kneeldown later, and Hudson celebrated a stunning comeback.
Hudson, now 5-3 overall and 4-1 in the Suburban League National Division, hosts North Royalton on Friday, October 18th.
Nordonia, now 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the Suburban League National Division, travels to Stow-Munroe Falls on Friday, October 18th. Senior quarterback Ben Chesser finished 9 of 13 passing for 67 yards, and had 123 yards rushing on 16 carries.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Nathan Judy (Jr.) Hudson
The junior signal caller had 20 carries for 148 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including the game-winner with 59 seconds left.
Extended highlights below:
