HS Football: Stow Outlasts Nordonia 53-47 In An Offensive Slugfest

MACEDONIA, OHIO — 100 combined points.

Typically you would only hear that number in a game of Madden rookie mode. However, that was the reality in Friday night’s contest between Stow and Nordonia.

After giving up 47 points through three quarters, Stow’s defense stepped up down the stretch, shutting out Nordonia to earn a 53-47 comeback victory.

Coming into the game, this Stow defense was only giving up an average of 11.0 points per game. However, stats like that go out the window when you play against a quarterback like Billy Levak.

Levak was on fire early, throwing for 226 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.

Week 6 Friday Featured Game 🏈

1Q | 3:11
#18 Stow Bulldogs – 6
Nordonia Knights – 17

This Nordonia offense is ELECTRIC! Billy Levak connects with Matt Hayes for a 58-yard TD. 🎥 ⬇️ @SMFSports @stowfootball @NordKnightFB @BrownsYouthFB @NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/58oCQyubbR

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) October 2, 2020

Add a touchdown carry by Sal Perrine and a pair of field goals by Andrew Lastovka, and Nordonia would take a 27-21 lead into halftime.

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*Halftime*
#18 Stow Bulldogs – 21
Nordonia Knights – 27

Andrew Lastovka ends the half with a 20-yard Nordonia field goal, as the Knights lead at the break.@SMFSports @stowfootball @NordKnightFB @BrownsYouthFB @NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/w3oIk3iwcO

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) October 3, 2020

Stow came out of the gates strong in the second half, with a punt block by Ryan Orosz resulting in a touchdown to tie the score at 27-27.

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3Q | 10:30
#18 Stow Bulldogs – 27
Nordonia Knights – 27

Levak’s punt is BLOCKED by Ryan Orosz for a Stow touchdown! We have a tie ballgame here in Macedonia.@SMFSports @stowfootball @NordKnightFB @BrownsYouthFB @NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/51Ov8nW4LO

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) October 3, 2020

Later in the half, Owen Bainbridge connected with Toledo commit Dalen Stovall for an 80-yard touchdown pass.

But in typical fashion, Billy Levak answered.

A 73-yard touchdown pass to Joel Jones late in the quarter made the score 47-39 in favor of Nordonia.

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3Q | 0:29
#18 Stow Bulldogs – 39
Nordonia Knights – 47

Insanity in Macedonia!

Billy Levak connects with Joel Jones for a 73-YARD touchdown pass.

We’re going to get suspended for spam at this rate…@SMFSports @stowfootball @NordKnightFB pic.twitter.com/NtBvHztbXN

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) October 3, 2020

In order to win this game, Stow’s defense would have to make a few stops down the stretch. And that’s exactly what they did.

After Bainbridge ran 50 yards for his fourth rushing touchdown of the game, the Stow defense would force a quick three-and-out.

Shortly after, Bainbridge led his team to a scoring drive that was capped off by a 4-yard touchdown pass to Jack Costa to give Stow a 53-47 lead.

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4Q | 7:53
#18 Stow Bulldogs – 53
Nordonia Knights – 47

Stow is back on top! Owen Bainbridge gets it to Jack Costa for a 4-yard TD pass.@SMFSports @stowfootball @NordKnightFB @BrownsYouthFB pic.twitter.com/l5T4qLT4Kl

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) October 3, 2020

Nordonia was being held scoreless in the final frame, but they were driving with 3:00 in regulation.

The Knights got down to the Stow 33 before turning the ball over on downs.

Another critical stop for Stow.

Then with 1:26 remaining, Nordonia would force a punt. With Levak and the Knights offense getting ready to come in the game, a roughing the kicker penalty was called.

WILD PLAY! Nordonia returns the punt to tie the game, but it’s called back because of a roughing the kicker penalty.

Stow is up 53-47 with 1:26 in regulation. No timeouts left for Nordonia. pic.twitter.com/UhFShgXoXX

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) October 3, 2020

This gave Stow an automatic first down, and allowed the Bulldogs to get into victory formation.

Owen Bainbridge, the Stow junior who is fielding offers from multiple MAC schools, finished with 278 yards passing, 135 yards rushing, and six total touchdowns.

Nordonia did out-gain Stow in total yardage (602-530), but the Bulldogs defense made plays down the stretch to secure the victory.

The expanded playoffs will begin next week, and both schools will be playing in the first round.

In Region 1, Stow (4-1) will host Cleveland Heights (4-1), while Nordonia (3-3) will host Ashtabula Lakeside (1-5) in Region 5 action.

Stow 6 15 18 14 53

Nordonia 17 10 20 0 47