Wadsworth Edges Nordonia 37-36 In Overtime Thriller

Wadsworth, OH- Two teams entered Art Wright Stadium Friday night undefeated but only one could stay that way as the Wadsworth Grizzlies (7-0) squeaked past Nordonia (6-1) 37-36 in an instant classic. After blocking the Knights’ extra-point attempt in overtime, Jack Dinwiddie drilled his opportunity to give the home team the victory. Freshman quarterback Brysen Hall threw the game-winning touchdown pass for the second week in a row to give Head Coach Justin Todd his 100th career victory as a head coach.

First Half

Early on this one looked like it would be a defensive struggle, as both offenses were forced to punt on their first two drives. Starting their next drive from their 29-yard line, the Grizzlies orchestrated an eight-play, 71-yard drive that was capped off by a two-yard run from Zach Wise, putting Wadsworth up 6-0.

After both sides traded punts, Nordonia would begin its next drive at their 29. On the seventh play, quarterback Ben Chesser called his own number and scrambled for a 28-yard touchdown, tying the game at 6-6.

On the ensuing kickoff, the Knights caught the Grizzlies napping and came up with an onside kick recovery. The very next play, the Wadsworth defense forced a fumble and nearly took it all the way back. One play later, Cooper Gray plowed in from two yards out to put the Grizzlies up 12-6 early in the second.

Nordonia would not take long to strike back, as Chesser capped off an 80-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run, putting the Knights on top 13-12. It took the Grizzlies less than two minutes to respond as they took the lead back on a four-yard run from Gray, his second of the game.

The Knights were not done in the first half, as Riley Edgehouse hit a 28-yard field goal to make it 20-16 Wadsworth at the break.

Second Half

After turning the ball over on downs on their first drive, Nordonia made the most of its second. Set up deep in Wadsworth territory after a fumble, Chesser would once again find the end zone with his legs. This time it was from seven yards out and put the Knights back on top 23-20.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Grizzlies finished off a ten play drive with a 34-yard field goal from Jack Dinwiddie toe tie it up at 23-23. Both squads were forced to punt again, and Nordonia began their next drive on their 17-yard line. On 2nd & 6 near midfield, Chesser found a wide-open Danny Ours down the middle of the field for a 55-yard touchdown, making the score 30-23 with four minutes remaining.

Needing a touchdown to keep their undefeated hopes alive, Brysen Hall played more like a senior than a freshman. He went 2-2 on the drive for 54 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown to Jacob Earnest to tie the game with under two minutes to go.

Nordonia would find its way into Wadsworth territory but ran out of time, sending it to overtime.

Nordonia would get the ball first and scored almost immediately. Two runs put them in close and Khylan Osbey ran in from eight yards out to make it 36-30. Then, for the second time in the contest, the Grizzlies special teams unit came up with a huge block on the extra point.

Next, it was Wadsworth’s turn. Facing a 3rd & 7, Hall threaded the needle between defenders to find Calix Lemp in the endzone, tying the game. Nordonia would call a timeout but it did not affect Jack Dinwiddie, as the senior drilled the extra-point to give the Grizzlies a 37-36 victory.

Keys to the Game

What a battle between the two best in the Suburban League National Conference has to offer. People always talk about which offense or defense was better, but this one came down to special teams. Nordonia came up with the first blocked extra-point of the night, but Wadsworth got one when it needed it most in overtime.

Even though the Knights fell in this one, their season is far from over. According to JoeEitel.com, Nordonia holds the #2 seed in Region 5 and the Grizzlies hold the #3 spot in Region 6. Expect to hear a lot more from these teams going forward.

Next Week

Nordonia will look to get back in the win column next week when they host Hudson (4-3). The Explorers shut out Brecksville 35-0 in Week 7.

Wadsworth’s quest for their first 10-0 regular season since 2018 continues next week when they travel to Stow (2-5). The Bulldogs were shutout by North Royalton 35-0 in Week 7.

Top Performers

Nordonia Knights

Ben Chesser: 13-21 167 yards TD   24 carries 143 yards 3 TD

Rocco DeLorenzo: 16 carries 62 yards

Wadsworth Grizzlies

Brysen Hall: 13-23 148 yards 2 TD

Cooper Gray: 22 carries 176 yards 2 TD

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Wadsworth 1:28- Zach Wise, 2-yard run (kick no good)

2nd Quarter

Nordonia 9:12- Ben Chesser, 28-yard run (kick no good)

Wadsworth 8:50- Cooper Gray, 2-yard run (2 pt. try no good)

Nordonia 3:45- Ben Chesser, 2-yard run (kick good)

Wadsworth 1:59- Cooper Gray, 4-yard run (2 pt. try good)

Nordonia 0:04- Riley Edgehouse 28-yard field goal

3rd Quarter

Nordonia 5:08- Ben Chesser, 7-yard run (kick good)

4th Quarter

Wadsworth 8:49- Jack Dinwiddie 34-yard field goal

Nordonia 4:09- Ben Chesser to Danny Ours, 55 yards (kick good)

Wadsworth 1:42- Brysen Hall to Jacob Earnest, 27 yards (kick good)

Overtime

Nordonia- Khylan Osbey, 8-yard run (kick blocked)

Wadsworth- Brysen Hall to Calix Lemp, 17 yards (kick good)