by Peninsula, Ohio – Thanks to a game-winning touchdown pass from Trey Kersten to Alex Meinen, the Norton Panthers defeated the Woodridge Bulldogs, 28-21.
First place was on the line in this Metro Conference showdown, and Friday’s game more than lived up to the hype.
After the two teams traded punts early on, Norton got to work on offense. Trey Kersten found Alex Meinen for a big gain to put the Panthers in the red zone.
On fourth and three at the Woodridge 23, Trey Kersten found Cortes Everett for a 23-yard touchdown reception. The PAT was good, and the Panthers led 7-0.
Woodridge drove down the field on their ensuing drive, getting to the Norton 1. But the Panther defense stiffened up, forcing a turnover on downs.
The Bulldogs forced a punt and got the ball with great field position. A few plays later, freshman Will Owens ran in a touchdown from a yard out. The PAT was good, evening the score at 7 with 9:31 left in the half.
Norton had a response of their own, helped by a 65 yard scamper by senior running back Jason Beverly. Trey Kersten called his own number two plays later from a yard out, giving the Panthers back the lead, 14-7, with 5:31 left in the second quarter.
After forcing another stop, the Panthers ran out the clock, taking a 14-7 lead to halftime.
Woodridge opened up the second half with a scoring drive, capped by an 11-yard touchdown run by freshman Will Owens. A bad snap prevented a point after attempt, keeping Norton in the lead, 14-13.
On the ensuing kickoff, Jason Beverly found a hole and raced through the right side of the field, all the way to the end zone for an 81 yard touchdown. The Panthers’ lead stood at 21-13.
Woodridge responded with another touchdown drive of their own.
Facing fourth and four at the Norton 15, senior quarterback Blake Pumper found junior Carter Maxa for a 15-yard touchdown reception. Kai Jones ran in the ensuing two-point conversion out of the Wildcat formation. The score would be even at 21 with 3:03 left in the third quarter.
After coming up with another huge stop, the Bulldogs had the ball, looking to take their first lead of the game. Freshman Will Owens had a pair of first down runs, and Blake Pumper connected with Andrew Stull for a pair of catches.
However, for the second time on the evening, the Norton defense turned away Woodridge in the red zone, getting the ball back on downs with five minutes left.
The Panthers would move the ball down the field, as Kersten connected with Alex Meinen for a big gain. A pair of Woodridge defensive penalties also kept the Norton drive moving.
Close to field goal range, Kersten took a shot at the end zone, and found Alex Meinen for a 24-yard touchdown pass with three seconds left, giving Norton a 28-21 lead.
On the ensuing kickoff, senior Jason Beverly had the game-ending tackle, clinching the game for the Panthers.
Norton moves to 5-1 on the season and 2-1 in the Metro Athletic Conference. They will host Cuyahoga Falls on Friday, October 2nd, to continue conference play.
Woodridge drops to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the Metro Athletic Conference and will host Tallmadge next Friday, October 2nd.
Players of the Game:
Trey Kersten (Norton)
The senior quarterback accounted for three touchdowns Friday evening, rushing for one and tossing a pair, including the game winner with three seconds left.
Will Owens (Woodridge)
The freshman tailback had 31 carries for 176 yards and a pair of scores.
Extended highlights below:
