Special Teams Difference in Nordonia’s Win Over Wadsworth

Wadsworth, OH: Nordonia (9-1) turned in a dominant performance on special teams, returning a kick and a punt for a touchdown while also blocking an extra point in its 42-33 victory over Wadsworth. Brock Barwidi returned a punt for a 77-yard touchdown in the first quarter, and Dominick Jackson returned a fourth-quarter kickoff for a 78-yard score. Steven Fakult led the way offensively for the Knights, going 12-22 for 200 yards and added a rushing touchdown. Brysen Hall went 20-41 for 294 yards for the Grizzlies, throwing three touchdowns and three interceptions.

First Quarter

Wadsworth received the opening kickoff and moved across midfield on a 21-yard reception by Noah Nixon. Two plays later, Jamiere Davis picked off Brysen Hall to halt the drive. The Knights’ offense came out of the gate struggling, quickly going three-and-out.

Starting on the Nordonia 42, Wadsworth found a little more momentum on their second possession. Brysen Hall showed he’s a threat on the ground too, picking up 18 yards on two carries that moved the ball inside the red zone. On first and goal from the one, Braydan Todd plowed into the endzone to put the Grizzlies up 7-0.

Nordonia was forced into another three-and-out on their next possession, but their defense came through and did the same to the Grizzlies. Brock Barwidi fielded the punt near his own 20 and weaved his way 77 yards to put the Knights on the board and tie the game 7-7.

Wadsworth picked up a 22-yard completion on their next possession, but otherwise kept the ball on the ground with Hall and Todd. On first and goal, Todd scored his second touchdown of the game on a 4-yard carry. The extra point sailed through the uprights, putting the Grizzlies in front 14-7 late in the first quarter.

The Knights were able to find a little momentum on their third drive, moving the ball across midfield in just three plays. Facing a fourth down, Fakult rolled out and was picked off by Reid Close. Wadsworth’s offense could not find a rythm, quickly going three-and-out on the ensuing drive.

Nordonia began their next possession with their best field position thus far, starting on the Wadsworth 48. Two quick completions by Fakult picked up 25 yards, and another to Collin Atha moved the ball to the ten. Three plays later, Dominick Jackson scored from three yards out to tie the score 14-14.

Following punts from both sides, Wadsworth began their final possession of the half at their own 42. The offense was swift, as Hall completed four passes to four different receivers. On first and goal, he connected with Jay’len King for an 8-yard touchdown. This time the extra point attempt was blocked, giving the Grizzlies a 20-14 halftime lead.

Second Half

After struggling somewhat offensively in the first half, the Knights came out of the halftime break a whole new offense. Starting at their 42, Nordonia picked up 24 yards in their first two plays. Faced with a third and short, Shawn Zivkovich took the handoff 28 yards up the middle for a touchdown. The successful extra point put Nordonia in front 21-20.

Neither side could find much success offensively over the next six minutes, as the Knights punted once and the Grizzlies punted twice. With just over three minutes remaining in the third, Nordonia took over at the Wadsworth 30. CJ Mayes picked up 10 yards on the next two plays. On the third, Fakult scrambled 20 yards for a Knights touchdown, extending the lead to 28-20.

Trailing late in the third, Wadsworth responded with its most impressive drive of the game. A big reason for the success was a 48-yard completion from Hall to King, moving the ball to the Nordonia 21. Three plays later Hall and King connected again, this time for a 14-yard, one-handed touchdown. Wadsworth went for two but was unsuccessful, keeping the Knights in front 28-26.

Nordonia wasted no time in responding to the score, needing only two plays. A first down completion from Fakult to Atha picked up 46 yards. On the next play, CJ Mayes rumbled for a 17-yard score, extending the lead to 35-26.

Wadsworth turned the ball over on downs on the ensuing possession, but their defense forced a quick three-and-out. With just over seven minutes remaining and trailing by nine, the Grizzlies took over on their own 20. After a holding penalty backed them up, Hall connected with Alex Porter for a huge 84-yard touchdown. This time the Grizzlies kicked the extra point, making the score 35-33.

Dominick Jackson made the play of the game on the ensuing kickoff, scooping it off the turf and sprinting 78 yards for a Nordonia touchdown. The extra point made it a two-score game, putting the Knights in front 42-33 with just under six minutes remaining.

Wadsworth get two more possessions but both ended in disaster, as Brock Barwidi came up with a pair of interceptions to ice the game. When the final whistle blew, Nordonia walked away with a 42-33 win.

Next Week

Nordonia clinched a playoff berth earlier in the year, and likely secured a first round bye with the victory. If this holds, the Knights will be back in action at home in Week 12.

It appears as if the loss has dropped Wadsworth from the top four seeds in Region 5, meaning they will play a home game in Week 11.

Top Performers

Nordonia Knights

Steven Fakult: 12-22 200 yards INT   9 carries 40 yards TD

Brock Barwidi: 2 INT   77-yard punt return touchdown

Wadsworth Grizzlies

Brysen Hall: 20-41 294 yards 3 TD 3 INT

Braydan Todd: 21 carries 110 yards 2 TD

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Wadsworth 6:29- Braydan Todd, 1-yard run (kick good)

Nordonia 3:43- Brock Barwidi 77-yard punt return (kick good)

Wadsworth 0:58- Braydan Todd, 4-yard run (kick good)

2nd Quarter

Nordonia 6:14- Dominick Jackson, 3-yard run (kick good)

Wadsworth 0:06- Brysen Hall to Jay’len King, 8 yards (kick blocked)

3rd Quarter

Nordonia 9:49- Shawn Zivkovich, 28-yard run (kick good)

Nordonia 1:49- Steven Fakult, 20-yard run (kick good)

4th Quarter

Wadsworth 11:14- Brysen Hall to Jay’len King, 14 yards (2pt. no good)

Nordonia 10:38- CJ Mayes, 17-yard run (kick good)

Wadsworth 6:07- Brysen Hall to Alex Porter, 84 yards (kick good)

Nordonia 5:56- Dominick Jackson 78-yard kick return (kick good)