Fri Mar 12 2010
by Michael Leonard
Sports Editor
Macedonia -- Nordonia football coach Al Huge admits his team hasn't run like a well-oiled machine, particularly on offense, during its first two games against Tallmadge and Wadsworth.
However, Huge could care less how his team looked so far, because the results have been just what he wanted.
"I'm ecstatic to come out of these two games 2-0," Huge said. "In order to entertain any thoughts of playing in Week 11, you've got to play good teams and win these games."
Ten unanswered points and two Wadsworth turnovers in the fourth quarter led the Knights to a 24-14 win over the Grizzlies Aug. 29 at a rain-soaked Boliantz Stadium.
Nordonia got a huge effort from running back John Hamilton, who finished with 242 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries. After only rushing the ball 12 times against Tallmadge, Hamilton said his coaches told him to expect a heavier load.
"They told me I was going to get more touches this week," Hamilton said. "I was ready for it because I wanted to show what I could do."
Hamilton and the Knights' offense had a solid drive going on their first series until a well-placed hit on wide receiver Charlie Williams forced a fumble.
Wadsworth recovered on its own 16-yard line, but the Knights defense forced a three-and-out.
Nothing stopped Nordonia's second drive, including a huge downpour which hit Boliantz Stadium at the start of the second quarter.
On the first play of the quarter, Nordonia quarterback Jess Smatana found tight end Zak Alders on a screen pass and Alders ran in an 11-yard touchdown. Kicker Eric Vukmanic drilled the extra point to make it 7-0.
Smatana went 5-of-9 for 54 yards and touchdown in the game.
Wadsworth answered by pulling out a trick play. On its next play from scrimmage, Wadsworth ran a double reverse pass. Grizzly quarterback Caleb Busson found Louden Gordon open behind the Knights secondary and only a great effort from the Knights' John Spooney prevented the 78-yard play from going for a touchdown.
Grizzly fullback Bart Randolph tied the game on the next play with a 2-yard touchdown plunge.
Huge noted the Knights defense was stellar, save for that one trick play and one drive in the second half.
"I'll give them credit for calling that play," Huge said. "Our kids bit on it. However, the overall effort tonight on defense was great."
Wadsworth's next kickoff pinned the Knights at their own 1-yard line, but it took only three plays to get out of that hole.
On first-and-10 from the Knights 22, Hamilton ran a sweep to the left, found a seam in the Grizzlies defense and sprinted 78 yards for the touchdown. Vukmanic's extra point made it 14-7 and the Knights took that lead to halftime.
Nordonia had Wadsworth going in reverse early in the third quarter, but the Knights' offense sputtered in the third as well.
One key play came when the Knights elected to go for it on fourth-and-one from the Wadsworth 40. Running back Tariq Benton was stuffed a foot short of the first down.
That stuff led to Wadsworth's only sustained drive of the night. The 11-play, 60-yard series was capped by Randolph's second 2-yard touchdown run in the game and the extra point tied the contest with 43 seconds left in the third quarter.
Needing a spark, the Knights defense provided three in the fourth quarter. First, a huge sack of Busson by linebacker Ben Batton allowed the Knights to tilt the field position back in their favor.
Nordonia then ran a six-play, 56-yard drive which culminated with a 25-yard field goal from Vukmanic to make it 17-14.
Then, a snap went over Busson's head in shotgun and Knights defensive back Jamil Pickens pounced on the ball at the Wadsworth 22.
Five plays late, Hamilton was back in the end zone after a nine-yard touchdown run. Vukmanic nailed the extra point to make it 24-14.
The final nail in Wadsworth's coffin came on the next series when Busson came under heavy pressure. His pass was intercepted by Spooney, who returned it to the Wadsworth 31. Nordonia's offense ran out the clock from there.
The Knights finished with 361-155 advantage in total yards, including a 307-50 advantage in rushing yards.
Nordonia will play its first road game this week as the Knights will travel to Kenston Sept. 5. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
E-mail: mleonard@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3113
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