Norwell Middle School

The Norwell Knights put together a memorable night of football on Tuesday, September 1st, sweeping the visiting DeKalb Barons in a pair of hard-fought games at Norwell. The 7th grade Knights wasted no time making their presence felt. On the opening play of the game, Reece Hoopingarner broke loose for a 59-yard touchdown run, giving Norwell an early 7-0 lead. The Knights' defense then took over, keeping DeKalb off the scoreboard for the remainder of the first three quarters. Neither team was able to find the end zone again until the fourth quarter, when Lawton Moyer powered his way into the end zone on a 9-yard touchdown run to extend Norwell's lead. Hoopingarner provided the finishing touch later in the fourth quarter, adding a 17-yard touchdown run to seal the 19-0 victory. The shutout was a strong defensive performance by the Knights (2-0), who controlled the game from the opening whistle. The 8th grade game provided plenty of drama as the Knights battled DeKalb to a 38-32 victory in an incredible three-overtime thriller. DeKalb broke through in the third quarter with a touchdown to take the 8-0 lead. Norwell answered in the fourth quarter when Max Norris scored on a 2-yard quarterback sneak, tying the game. The Knights then took the lead when Norris connected with Madden Moser on an 8-yard touchdown pass. With Norwell leading, DeKalb answered in dramatic fashion, returning the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown to tie the game at 16 with just 16 seconds remaining. The game went to overtime, and the Knights continued to answer every challenge. In the first overtime, Nico Edwards scored on a 10-yard touchdown run, but DeKalb responded with a touchdown of their own. In the second overtime, Edwards found the end zone again, this time on a 5-yard run. Once again, DeKalb answered with a touchdown, sending the game to a decisive third overtime. That's when the Knights' defense came up with the play of the night. Max Norris intercepted a DeKalb pass in the end zone, stopping the Barons and giving Norwell the opportunity to win the game on the very next play. Edwards made sure the Knights wouldn't need another overtime. On the first play following the interception, Nico Edwards broke through for a 10-yard touchdown run, sending the Knights (2-0) to a thrilling 38-32 victory and completing an unforgettable three-overtime battle. The Knights will return to action on Wednesday, September 9th, with a 4:30 p.m. kickoff at Bellmont.