By: Michael Bohm
MACEDONIA, Ohio- The Woodridge Bulldogs traveled into the Nordonia Knight’s Kingdom on Friday night in what at first seemed like a one-sided affair. This, however, was not the case, as a valiant comeback effort nearly came to fruition for Nordonia, only to be cut short by a single mistake, resulting in the 46-36 finish.
Woodridge’s offense was certainly far from flashy, but also nothing short of dominant. The one-two punch of tailbacks Robert Singletary Jr. and King Alcardon Sanders accounted for five end zone trips and 300 yards, right on the nose. The two rushers both showcased an incredible combination of power and speed to literally carry the Bulldog offense on their back. Woodridge took off to an early 14-0 start in the first quarter thanks to scoring runs of 16 yards and 52 yards respectively by Sanders. Singletary followed it up with a burst through the Knights’ defensive tackles to score from a yard out.
Up 20-0 early, Nordonia’s offense suddenly got the spark it needed in a big way. Junior Knights signal caller Robby Levak went through his progressions and found wide out Donny Wizniak deep downfield for a phenomenal finger tip grab and Nordonia’s first score, 60 yards, and an indication of what was to come for the Knights.
After finally managing to hold the Bulldogs to a field goal on the opening drive of the second half, the ensuing kickoff was returned by Julius Jones 82 yards for the touchdown.
The next score also came by way of another Knights big play, this time on a trick play where Ball State commit and highly heralded playmaker took the direct snap, handed it off to running back Sam Hopes, who then pitched it back to Levak. Sure enough, the Levak to Wizniak connection was alive and well, as Levak hit the senior speedster deep down the middle in stride for the 52-yard score to pull within eight, 29-21. Wizniak would finish with 136 yards on only four catches.
After being held to a field goal once more, the Bulldogs defense simply had no answer for the gun-slinging Levak, who drove his Knights downfield once more and completed a flawless roll out pass over the outstretched arms of three defenders, finding Jordan Jones in the corner for a nine-yard score, and followed it up by firing a beauty to Evans across the middle to convert the two-point attempt.
At 32-29, the Knights had all the momentum. But, the very next play consisted of Sanders returning the ball 75 yards to the house. Fortunately for Nordonia, a flag gave them a second chance, but they would not capitalize. As the rushing efforts of Sanders and Singletary persisted, so too did the air slowly drain from under the Knights’ moral. Sanders, clearly undeterred, capped off the post-penalized drive with an 18-yard score on a tackle-breaking speed-stirring rush through the teeth of Nordonia’s defense to pull ahead by 10, 39-29.
The Knights would not recover, but Levak left everything on the field, throwing 40 times, completing 23, for 355 yards and three touchdowns. His game should not be taken for granted, as he orchestrated a truly electrifying performance, demonstrating incredible zip and versatility on his passes.
Spencer Robinson of Woodridge picked off both of Levak’s interceptions on a batted ball and a jumped route respectively, while also running for the would-be dagger on a nine-yard scramble up the middle to seal the deal at 46-29.
Nordonia (0-2) will be looking to build on their impressive near-upset next week as they travel to Mayfield for a Friday night matchup, while Woodridge (1-1) will be hosting Chagrin Falls at the same time, 7:00pm.
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