Norwayne Outlasts Orrville in Thrilling Showdown at Sold-Out Orrville High School
In a highly anticipated matchup between #1 Norwayne and #2 Orrville, the atmosphere at Orrville High School was electric. The sold-out crowd witnessed an intense battle on Orrville’s newly debuted court, a symbolic milestone after flood damage over the summer. Adding to the excitement was the return of Orrville’s standout junior, Kodah Allen, who had been sidelined for a year. As a freshman, Allen had made headlines by scoring 46 points in a single game and averaging 28.4 points per game.
First Quarter:
Norwayne seized control early, setting the tempo with efficient ball movement and sharp shooting. The Bobcats established a 24-17 lead at the end of the first quarter, leaving Orrville searching for answers.
Second Quarter:
The momentum shifted dramatically as Kodah Allen found his rhythm, dominating on both ends of the floor. His highlight-reel moment came with a monster block off the backboard, seemingly defying gravity. Orrville fed off Allen’s energy, and by halftime, the Red Riders had surged ahead, leading 33-30.
Third Quarter:
Norwayne came out of the locker room with renewed intensity, quickly building a five-point lead. The Bobcats extended their advantage to 39-33, seemingly in control. However, Orrville responded, narrowing the gap to just one point. Player of the Year candidate Parker Metsker provided a scare when he went down after a tough layup but returned after a timeout. Despite a buzzer-beater from Allen to close the quarter, Norwayne maintained a 49-41 lead.
Fourth Quarter:
The final quarter was marked by intensity and physicality. Early on, Kodah Allen suffered a cramp in his thigh but returned to the court, only to go down again after scoring a crucial basket that brought Orrville within five points with 3:57 remaining. The atmosphere grew tense, with fans and players exchanging heated moments. Allen’s night ultimately ended after his third cramp, and his absence was felt as Norwayne capitalized. A brief scuffle between the teams led to a prolonged stoppage, underscoring the high stakes and emotions on display.
In the end, Norwayne’s composure prevailed, and they secured a hard-fought 60-46 victory over Orrville.
Top Scorers:
• Kodah Allen (Orrville) — 20 points
• Tyson Hess (Norwayne) — 22 points
The win solidifies Norwayne’s top ranking, but Orrville’s resilience, particularly with Allen’s return, suggests this rivalry is far from over.
Eastwood Outlasts Norwayne in High-Scoring Thriller, 56-49
In a game packed with explosive plays and dramatic twists, Eastwood emerged victorious over Norwayne with a final score of 56-49. Both teams displayed high-powered offenses and impressive resilience, thrilling fans with a back-and-forth battle until the very last moments.
On the game’s opening play, Eastwood set the tone with a deep pass over the middle, nearly reaching the end zone. Moments later, they completed the drive with a quick touchdown, giving them an early 7-0 lead with 9:59 left in the first quarter.
Norwayne’s opening possession faltered under Eastwood’s aggressive defense, including a costly false start penalty. A pass attempt from Dylan Smith to Dylan Tanner fell incomplete, forcing the Bobcats to punt. Eastwood seized the opportunity, capitalizing with another deep pass that set them up on Norwayne’s 22-yard line. A few plays later, Eastwood ran in a second touchdown to extend their lead to 14-0 with 5:21 remaining in the first quarter.
Norwayne responded early in the second quarter as Dylan Smith connected with Dylan Tanner for a touchdown, closing the gap to 14-7. However, Eastwood quickly struck back with another score, making it 21-7. Norwayne refused to back down; Smith led the Bobcats downfield, eventually scoring to pull within one touchdown again, at 21-14.
The momentum shifted when Smith intercepted an Eastwood pass, setting up Norwayne’s offense in prime position. Norwayne capitalized, tying the game at 21 with just over two minutes left in the half. But Eastwood answered swiftly with a touchdown, regaining the lead, 28-21. As the seconds ticked down in the half, Norwayne’s Jacob Bruner found Tanner in a tight window for a score, evening the tally at 28-28 with just 21 seconds left. Yet, Eastwood struck again, scoring as time expired to head into halftime leading 35-28.
Norwayne came out strong to start the second half. A near-touchdown kickoff return set them up, and Mason Moyer powered his way into the end zone from the Wildcat formation, tying the game at 35-35 just 27 seconds into the third quarter.
The shootout continued as Eastwood pulled ahead again, 42-35, midway through the third quarter. Norwayne responded as Bruner connected with Ryder Ingold to end the third quarter, knotting the score at 42-42.
In the fourth quarter, Eastwood reclaimed the lead, 49-42, but Norwayne quickly responded to tie it at 49-49. With 7:03 remaining, Eastwood executed a successful onside kick, tipping the ball and returning it for a touchdown, pushing the score to 56-49.
In a dramatic finish, Norwayne found themselves on Eastwood’s 2-yard line, facing a crucial 4th-and-goal with just 1:12 left in the game. Moyer took the handoff, but Eastwood’s defense held strong, stopping him short of the goal line to secure the victory.
With a final score of 56-49, Eastwood emerged as the victor in this unforgettable high-stakes battle, showcasing offensive firepower and clutch defensive stops in key moments.
Norwayne Dominates Rittman, Secures 9-0 Victory
On a crisp evening at Norwayne Community Stadium, the Norwayne Bobcats took on the Rittman Indians in a Wayne County Athletic League (WCAL) soccer contest. Norwayne, an all-boys team, entered the game with a commanding 9-1-1 overall record, including an undefeated streak in WCAL play. Their only blemishes were a 3-0 loss to Western Reserve Academy on September 18th and a 1-1 tie against Central Christian on September 12th, both at home.
Rittman, a mixed team of boys and girls, came into the matchup still searching for their first win of the season with a 0-11-1 record overall and a 0-7 mark in WCAL play. Their lone highlight was a 1-1 tie against St. Thomas Aquinas on September 29th.
Norwayne wasted no time asserting their dominance, controlling the first half and scoring seven unanswered goals. The Bobcats defense was impenetrable, not allowing Rittman to get a single shot on goal.
Norwayne’s First Half Scoring Recap
37:54 Cooper Ringle (#14) opened the scoring early, slotting in a well-placed shot to give Norwayne a 1-0 lead.
36:28 John Graham (#13) doubled the lead just over a minute later, finishing a cross from the left side.
30:35 Cooper Ringle (#14) found the net again with a towering header off a corner kick, making it 3-0.
29:36 Conner Preattle (#20) extended the lead further, tapping in from close range after a scramble in the box.
26:03 Braden West (#12) added to the tally with a strong finish from inside the box, putting Norwayne up 5-0.
17:04 Austin Gasser (#17) joined the scoresheet with a low, driven shot past the Rittman keeper.
8:53 Ethan Hewitt (#9) capped off the first-half rout with a clinical finish, bringing the halftime score to 7-0.
11:07 Jaxson Gasser (#8) secured the 2nd to last goal to lead 8-0
6:00 Carter Berry (#21) capped of the game with the Bobcats final goal to win 9-0.
At halftime, Norwayne held a commanding 9-0 lead and never looked back, maintaining control in the second half., Norwayne’s defense remained rock solid, preventing Rittman from mounting any meaningful attacks and preserving the clean sheet.
The victory improved Norwayne’s record to 10-1-1 and kept their unbeaten WCAL streak intact. Rittman, meanwhile, continues to search for their first win of the season, now sitting at 0-12-1.
Looking Ahead:
Norwayne will face Chippewa on Saturday before a highly anticipated showdown against Smithville next Tuesday. Smithville’s only loss this season came at the hands of Norwayne in a 3-0 defeat on September 14th. With both teams vying for WCAL supremacy, the rematch could be a decisive battle for the county championship
Heroes of the Gridiron: Adam Wallace, A Norwayne Legend
In the world of high school football, certain players leave an indelible mark on the game, becoming legends that will be remembered for generations. For Norwayne High School, that player is none other than Adam Wallace, a name synonymous with grit, leadership, and a fierce determination to win. Wallace’s journey from a standout high school athlete to a Division II Ashland recruit is the stuff of legend. His legacy at Norwayne is cemented by his dual-threat dominance on both sides of the ball and his pivotal role in delivering the school’s first-ever state championship.
Wallace’s senior year in 2011 stands out as one of the most remarkable seasons in Ohio high school football history. Wearing No. 45—a family number that symbolized his love for defense—Wallace was a force of nature on the gridiron, excelling at both quarterback and middle linebacker. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 200 pounds, Wallace passed for a staggering 2,959 yards and 40 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,042 yards and adding 21 touchdowns on the ground. His offensive prowess alone would have made him one of the state’s top players, but Wallace was equally dominant on defense, recording an astonishing 188 tackles—a Norwayne and Wayne County Athletic League record.
That season, Wallace led the Bobcats to a Div. IV state title, becoming a hometown hero. In the 2011 state championship game, Norwayne faced an undefeated Kenton squad that was powered by one of the most prolific quarterbacks in high school history, Maty Mauk. Mauk, who would go on to star at the University of Missouri, had posted mind-boggling numbers that season, including 5,413 passing yards, 68 touchdowns, and 1,768 rushing yards. Preparing for such a dynamic player seemed impossible, yet Wallace was undaunted.
With 2:51 remaining in the game, Kenton took its first lead, 42-41, putting Norwayne’s state title hopes in jeopardy. Wallace, known for his calm under pressure, gathered his teammates in the huddle and led a remarkable 80-yard drive with less than three minutes to go. On the drive’s final play, Wallace threaded a perfectly placed 31-yard pass between two Kenton defenders to Kaleb Harris, who secured the touchdown with 31 seconds remaining.
The Bobcats held off Kenton’s final push, thanks to a third game-clinching interception by standout defender Beery, sealing a thrilling 48-42 victory. Wallace finished the game with 282 passing yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for 140 yards and three more scores. Harris, his top target, caught five passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns.
For his contributions throughout the season, Wallace was named the 2011 Wooster Daily Record Player of the Year, ESPN Midwest Player of the Week, and WCAL’s Most Valuable Player. He was a first-team All-District selection and earned 12 varsity letters across football, basketball, and track and field during his high school career. Wallace capped off his senior season by representing Norwayne as a linebacker in the prestigious Ohio North-South All-Star game, an honor few local athletes have received.
Adam Wallace’s impact on Norwayne football goes far beyond statistics. He set a new standard for excellence, leadership, and perseverance in the face of adversity. His unforgettable performance in the 2011 state championship game not only delivered the Bobcats’ first state title but also solidified his status as one of the greatest athletes in Wayne County history. Today, Wallace’s legacy lives on as a symbol of what is possible when talent, hard work, and heart come together on the football field.
Adam Wallace will forever be remembered as a hero of the gridiron and a true Norwayne legend.
Photo Credits : The Daily Record and MaxPreps.com
Game Preview: Norwayne at Dalton - WCAL Showdown Looms Large
Date: Friday, October 11, 2024
Time: 7 PM kickoff
Location: Dalton High School
A fierce rivalry and championship aspirations take center stage as Norwayne heads to Dalton, a year after their heartbreaking 34-29 loss in front of nearly 2,700 fans. That defeat propelled Dalton to the state finals, where they finished as runners-up to powerhouse Marion Local. With fans lining up as early as 4:30 PM, last year’s game set the standard for excitement in the Wayne County Athletic League (WCAL). This season, both teams are vying for a potential WCAL title, adding even more anticipation.
Team Records
Norwayne (6-1 overall, 4-0 WCAL) comes into the game on a six-game winning streak after their only loss in Week 1, a 28-21 shootout against St. Clairsville. With an unbeaten run in conference play, Norwayne’s WCAL championship aspirations are within reach.
Dalton (5-2 overall, 3-1 WCAL) is looking to rebound from a close 35-31 loss to Hillsdale in WCAL play. A win on Friday would put them back in the hunt for a share of the WCAL title.
What’s at Stake
The stakes could not be higher for both teams. If Dalton pulls off the win, they’ll hand Norwayne its first WCAL loss, creating a potential three-way tie for the league championship between Dalton, Norwayne, and Hillsdale. Norwayne, on the other hand, is looking to stay perfect in WCAL play and set up a decisive Week 10 clash against Hillsdale.
For Dalton: A win keeps their title hopes alive, positioning them to force a tie atop the WCAL standings if Norwayne defeats Hillsdale in Week 10.
For Norwayne: A victory would leave only Smithville in the way of an undefeated run through the WCAL before a potential showdown with Hillsdale.
The Week 10 game at Hillsdale is expected to draw a massive crowd of 3,000 to 4,000 fans, adding even more excitement to this title race.
Ticket Information
Dalton Athletic Director Ethan Kagy has confirmed that presale tickets will be available all week at Dalton High School, and fans are advised to arrive early due to the expected large crowd. With the WCAL title on the line, this matchup promises to be one of the biggest games of the season. Don’t miss this game, which could shape the WCAL championship and the direction of the entire season.
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Aurora Christine Krahenbuhl, 14, of Creston, passed away on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 as a result of a tragic accident.
Aurora was born in Akron on Dec. 4, 2009 to Matthew Carl and Melanie Alina Krahenbuhl and was an 8th grader at Norwayne Middle School where she played the flute in the band and was a member of the band pit crew. She was always creative, having enjoyed writing stories, painting and taking pictures, especially sunrises and sunset. Aurora was always the “Mother Hen” to all the babies in her family and was a cat lover. She was the sweetest girl who never met a stranger, and she will forever be loved.
Surviving is her father, Matthew Krahenbuhl, her mother Melanie Krahenbuhl, her twin brother, Tyler; grandparents, Carl and Tawnya Krahenbuhl, Endora Garcea and Michael and Melissa Garcea; great- grandparents, Albert Sr. and his wife Ann Krahenbuhl; aunts and uncles, Rachel Krahenbuhl and Gary Gatten, Megan Krahenbuhl, Shannon Krahenbuhl, Anna Garcea, Michelle and Trevor Keith, Jessica Garrard and Josh, Jordan Garrard, Alex Garrard and Jennifer Wright and many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her cousin, Jayden Goody on Feb. 26, 2024 and her uncle, Nickolas Garcea.
Services will be Friday, Oct. 11th at 11:00 a.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Creston with Jeff Ball and Bob Young officiating. Burial will be in Creston Maple Mound Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
NORWAYNE – Less than 24 hours after an unimaginable tragedy struck, the Norwayne community gathered in a profound show of strength and unity. On Friday, Norwayne Local Schools mourned the heartbreaking loss of 14-year-old Aurora Krahenbuhl, who tragically passed away in a car accident just hours before the highly anticipated football game. In the wake of this devastating news, the game was canceled, and instead of the usual cheers and excitement, the stadium became a place of solace, where players and community members formed a solemn prayer circle on the field where the game was meant to take place.
The following day, Norwayne and Chippewa teams returned to the same field, not as competitors but as one united community. The stands, normally divided by school colors, were awash in a sea of red clothing, worn by both Chippewa and Norwayne fans alike—a symbol of their shared grief and support for one another. The Chippewa marching band, in a moving gesture of compassion, presented flowers to members of the Norwayne band who attended the game. It was a moment that transcended school rivalries, showcasing the true heart of this community.
At the stadium’s entrance, donation stands were set up, providing a way for attendees to contribute to the Krahenbuhl family and the injured , a tangible reminder that in moments of profound loss, this community stands together, united by love and compassion.
In the midst of heartache, the Norwayne and Chippewa communities showed that they are more than just schools—they are family. And when one member suffers, they all gather, shoulder to shoulder, to carry each other through.
“I’m proud of the way the guys handled the adversity with the tragedy in the community,” Indorf said. “In the days and weeks to come, we have guys that will handle it in different ways, so we will be there for them. I’m proud of the way our guys handled the situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Krahenbuhl family.”
Indorf’s words echoed the sentiment felt throughout the stands, where people from far beyond the borders of Wayne County came together to offer support. What had once been a rivalry between Norwayne and Chippewa was now a shared moment of unity, as both communities embraced each other in grief and compassion.
“There were tremendous people who came together,” Indorf added, recognizing the collective strength and heart that poured into the stadium. In the wake of tragedy, the game became a testament to the power of solidarity and the deep-rooted sense of family that defines this community.
Good Evening Everyone,
The Wayne County Sports page would like to extend our deepest thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the Norwayne School District and community during this difficult time.
My hearts is with you.
In a statement made by, Mr. Leatherman
Dear Norwayne Students, Staff, and Community,
I am reaching out to you this evening to share some sad and unfortunate news. Within the past hour I received word that 5 Hs/Ms students were involved in a single car accident. Resulting in the passing of one of our Ms students. Please keep all of our students and families in your thoughts and prayers and we mourn this loss.
BOBCATS GET THEIR REVENGE
Earlier this season, Hillsdale edged out Norwayne in a thrilling five-set battle on their home court, leaving fans with a match to remember. But the Bobcats had other plans for the rematch. In front of a packed and electrifying crowd at Larry Acker Gymnasium, Norwayne got their revenge, sweeping Hillsdale with authority and reclaiming their dominance.
Set 1 Norwayne 25 Hillsdale 16
Set 2 Norwayne 25 Hillsdale 13
Set 3 Norwayne 25 Hillsdale 19