The Norwin stadium has been filled to its full capacity in recent weeks as fans pushed in to watch the Norwin Knights this season. With the team losing some of their main contributors, like Jackson Pons, Luke Denny and Aiden Pham, in the previous season, the future of the Knights was unpredictable. However, significant contributors still compete this year with quarterback Tristyn Tavares, running backs Jake Sincak and Jackson Huss, and receiver Jake Knight. Norwin’s early season success had fans hopeful for the 2024 season, but consistent injuries of the starting lineup has taken a major toll on the Knights’ abilities.
The Knights faced the Penn Trafford Warriors at home on August 23 for their week zero season opener. Leis and sunglasses filled the stadium to match the Beach theme of the castle crew. The Knights ran the ball efficiently and effectively and made tackles when they were needed. The game began with running back Jackson Huss taking the ball 36 yards off of the opening kickoff. Unfortunately, Michael Crnkovic, Norwin’s safety and wide receiver, and Maxsym Fierle, Norwin’s defensive end, were both hurt early in the game.
“I made a tackle, and couldn’t get up,” said Crnkovic. “I was worried if I was going to be able to play. All I could think about was whether or not something was going to be torn and needed surgery.”
Fortunately, Crnkovic is expected to make a return this season, while Fierle obtained a season-ending injury. Regardless of the injuries, the Knights continued to hustle the remainder of the game. The most notable play of the game was when Norwin’s quarterback, Tavares, who is 3rd in the 6A division as a passing leader, threw an impressive 80-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jake Knight.
“It was the first drive right out of halftime, and it was 13-6,” said Knight. “We scored, and that gave us all the momentum. We just built off that momentum from there.” Knight ranks as 5th in the 6A division of receiving leaders.
Other notable plays such as an 18-yard run scored by Jake Sincak with 33 seconds left in the game and a 28-yard field goal by Evan Pfeifer to end the first half were key moments that assisted the Knights during their battle. Overall, the Knights had a total of 210 rushing yards. The hard work certainly paid off for the Knights as they took home their first win of the season, beating Penn Trafford 26-14, a little revenge for Norwin after losing to the Warriors 56-28 in the previous season.
With high spirits, Norwin played their next game against the Kiski Cavaliers. The game was played at Kiski High School, but there was no shortage of Norwin Fans there to support the Knights. After falling shortly behind in the first quarter, Norwin made a comeback in the second quarter. Sophomore Gio Rothrauff scored off of a 9-yard run, and Sincak followed with a 10-yard carry. Sincak stands at 6th as a rushing leader in the 6A division.
With 22 seconds left, Tavares put the Knights up by 13. By halftime, the Knights were leading 20-7. Once again, the Knights fell behind in the third quarter, but with 46 seconds left, Huss took one into the end zone. The Knights had confidence going into the fourth quarter with a 26-21 lead. Tavares had another touchdown run four minutes into the fourth, his second of the game. Kiski fought hard to put points back on the board, but the Knights protected their lead and took home another win. Overall, Norwin had 221 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Norwin took home yet another win with a 33-21 score.
On September 6, the Knights faced the Latrobe Wildcats. It was an exciting match for all fans as both teams held a 2-0 streak. Norwin had a tough run against the Wildcats, struggling to hold back Latrobe’s star players and letting up a hefty count of rushing yards by the opposing team. Norwin fell 42-28 against Latrobe, losing yet another player, Lucas Altier, Norwin’s starting left guard, to an ankle injury. Unfortunately, the Knights’ following game against Seneca Valley did not bring much success either. In the first quarter, the Raiders had a fumble recovery that they took for a touchdown, leaving Norwin to fall behind quickly and unable to catch up for the remainder of the game. Norwin lost 26-6 against the Raiders, giving Seneca their first season win.
During practice, Norwin’s Linebacker and Tight end Josh Lenart went down with a foot injury, putting him out for the following games, too. Lenart hopes to make a return for the game against North Hills, but his recovery time has been unpredictable.
When it came time for Norwin to face the North Allegheny Tigers, almost half of their starting players were injured. It has been clear that injuries have plagued the Norwin Knights this season, heavily affecting their game-day success. Facing the Tigers was nothing different. Early in the game, Norwin took a lead 14-8 against the Tigers. The Knights fought hard, but their confidence dropped when Norwin’s quarterback Tavares went down in the second quarter with a knee injury. Norwin fans hoped for a quick return of Tavares for the Homecoming game against North Hills, but a partially torn PCL will delay his comeback, allowing for backup quarterback Xavier Holtzman to take the field this Friday.
“I hope to come back for the section game against PCC,” said Tavares. “I think our team has a chance against Hempfield without me. We’re going to have to battle with so many guys out, but the other guys are going to have to step up. The two guys that got hurt early in the season against PT didn’t really affect us, and we did what we had to do without them. Now with so many out, we have to switch the game plan.”
The Norwin Knights are now up to having 5 starters out with injuries, leaving for many of the younger players to take the field.
“With the injuries means some younger guys are going to get a chance to step up and play some meaningful snaps this week,” said head coach Mike Brown. “We have the next man up mentality. There might be a few adjustments but honestly, we are going to play our game and do what we do well.”
In good news, Norwin’s starting safety and wide receiver Michael Crnkovic is expected to make his return for the Homecoming game against North Hills. With only one starter returning, the Knights will need to make some adjustments in order to see success. Coach Brown had a plan to assert dominance on the line of scrimmage for the game abasing North Hills.
Despite Brown’s strategy, Norwin took a tough 24-7 loss against the Indians. Fortunately, North Hills is not in Norwin’s section, so the defeat will not effect Norwin’s record.
