by Michael Leonard

Sports Editor

Cuyahoga Falls -- For Nordonia, the Sept. 26 game at Cuyahoga Falls was about taking care of business in its Northeast Ohio Conference River Division opener.

For Falls, it was about trying to upset its second 2007 playoff team in as many weeks.

As Falls found out, however, it's unwise to spot a playoff-caliber team a 21-0 lead.

Nordonia got big plays from every facet of its team as the Knights cruised to a 45-14 rout of the Black Tigers.

Nordonia improved to 5-1, 1-0 in the River Division, while Falls fell to 1-5, 0-1 in the division.

Knights coach Al Huge said the Knights offense probably had its best game of the season against the Tigers.

"Their going to keep getting better," Huge said. "Our quarterback is making some plays and this was only his third full week starting. We're not that big up front, but I wouldn't trade these guys for anybody."

Meanwhile, Falls coach Mike Miller said the early deficit was too much to overcome.

"You can't beat anybody when you start out by giving up 21 points," he said. "One thing we stress is big plays. They made the big plays tonight and we didn't."

Nordonia's offense hit on several home-run plays in the first half. Nordonia's first drive was capped when running back John Hamilton ripped off a 50-yard touchdown run through the heart of the Falls defense, busting tackles as he went.

Kicker Eric Vukmanic then nailed the first of six extra-point attempts, giving Nordonia a 7-0 lead with 9:03 left in the first quarter.

After Falls was forced to punt, Nordonia's second touchdown came on a bit of brilliant improvisation.

Quarterback Demetrius Craig faked a hand-off to Hamilton and rolled right, only to find himself surrounded by Black Tigers. Rather than accept the loss, Craig sprinted toward the sideline. Somehow, he managed to find wide receiver Kory Clark wide open down field and threw a dart to him.

Clark cut back across the width of the field and ran it all the way in for a 60-yard touchdown reception.

"That was a broken running play," Huge said, with a smile. "That's the kind of thing we know Demetrius can do for us. He's a great athlete and his athleticism kept that play alive."

"We didn't tackle defensively," Miller said. "Our guys were in position to make a play on both of their first two touchdowns, but if you don't tackle, you're not going to win."

Craig looked to have another touchdown pass early in the second quarter, but an illegal pass penalty nullified the score and the Knights' drive stalled.

However, Nordonia's defense forced another punt from Falls and Nordonia's Charlie Williams returned the punt to Falls' 37-yard line.

It took Hamilton just one play to capitalize, as he busted a 37-yard touchdown through the heart of Falls' defense. Hamilton finished with 150 yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries.

"We didn't tackle well at all tonight," Miller said. "We were in position on a couple of those long runs, but we just couldn't tackle."

Falls then appeared to grab the spark it needed to get back in the game, as wide receiver Jackson Jones took the ensuing kickoff and ran it 91 yards for a touchdown. Kicker Christian Earnest nailed the extra point to make it 21-7.

However, Nordonia struck right back. Defensive back John Spooney took Falls' kickoff and ran it all the way back for a 95-yard touchdown.

"It seem like it's feast or famine with our special teams this year," Huge said. "I'd like to get a bit of moderation in our special teams play, but these are high school kids and that's what happens."

Nordonia went to halftime with a 28-7 lead.

Nordonia's made only one major mistake on the night, as Hamilton lost a fumble at his own 20-yard line.

On the next play, Falls capitalized.

Quarterback Dylan Leymon found wide receiver Ryan Trevillian open for a 20-yard touchdown, cutting the Knights' lead to 28-14 with 9:49 left in the third quarter.

However, Nordonia effectively ended Falls' comeback hopes on the next drive.

The Knights launched an 11-play, 83-yard drive which seemed to sap Falls' will as it went. Craig capped the drive with a well-designed throwback screen pass to Hamilton, who followed his blockers perfectly to score a 30-yard touchdown.

Nordonia started the fourth quarter with a 38-yard field goal from Vukmanic and then got its final touchdown from an unlikely source.

With Falls pinned deep in its own territory, Leymon attempted to throw a screen pass. The ball was tipped, however, and came down in the arms of defensive lineman Justin Golobek, who ran the ball back 10 yards for a touchdown, setting off celebrations from the Nordonia defense.

\It was a tough night for Falls' offense as the Black Tigers were out-gained 396-167.

"We can't dwell on the past," Miller said. "We've got get ready for Garfield Heights."

Falls was set to host Garfield Heights Oct. 3 at Clifford Stadium, but results were not available at press time.

Falls will travel to Mayfield Oct. 10 with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.

E-mail: mleonard@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3113