Norwin uses playoff absence as motivation for next season

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, November 9, 2018 | 6:45 PM

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It was an early end to the season for the Norwin football team.

After reaching the WPIAL postseason each of the last four seasons, the Knights finished 3-7 and were unable to qualify for the Class 6A playoffs.

“It is disappointing that we didn’t extend the season into the playoffs,” coach Dave Brozeski said. “But our guys battled until the very last snap of the very last game. I am proud of the guys continuing to battle throughout the season.”

The final four-game stretch sealed the Knights’ fate as they went 0-4. But the team was in most of the games deep into the second half. Norwin dropped a pair of tight games to Mt. Lebanon, 34-28, and Seneca Valley, 21-13.

In a 34-12 setback to Canon-McMillan, the Knights trailed the Big Macs, 20-12, late in the third quarter.

“It was one of those things,” Brozeski said. “We needed to make a stop on defense or a play on offense and were unable to. If we made a couple of those plays, we might be 5-5 and in the playoffs.”

The offense produced increased results in 2018. First-year offensive coordinator Tim Van Horn brought in a no-huddle, spread scheme. The Knights saw an uptick in scoring — Norwin went from 16.2 points per game last season to 22.8 this season.

The Norwin offense was led by quarterback Jack Salopek. The junior finished with 1,790 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He also ran for 122 yards and three touchdowns.

Salopek’s top targets this season were a pair of seniors. Gianni Rizzo finished with 21 catches for 542 yards and six touchdowns. Billy Kerston finished with 27 catches for 409 yards and four touchdowns.

Zeke Houser lead the Knights in rushing with 512 yards and four touchdowns.

The offensive line showed growth after entering the year with little experience. Junior Aaron Bowen was the only player to have extended playing time entering the season. But players such as juniors Connor Vogel and Trent Cockeram and sophomore Anthony Giansante grew into their roles.

“Pretty much the whole offensive line was in the weight room the day after turning in their equipment,” Brozeski said. “That is a positive. They take pride in what they do, so we are going to work with them to get bigger and stronger to help us next season.”

The Norwin defense was led by the tandem of Jayvon Thrift at safety and Rizzo at linebacker. Thrift finished the year with 87 tackles. Rizzo added 72 tackles and led the team in sacks with six.

The duo will continue their careers at Youngstown State next season.

“They were leaders,” Brozeski said. “(Thrift) was a three-year starter and started a few games as a freshman. He was essentially a four-year guy. We had a lot of injuries at linebacker. So (Rizzo) moved from outside to inside linebacker. That effected some of his ability, but he took it in stride.”

While the Knights will need to do some rebuilding after losing an 18-player senior class, Brozeski said the pieces are there to rebound with hard work through the offseason.

“I think we have some positivity coming from negativity,” Brozeski said. “We didn’t make the playoffs, and the guys coming back know they don’t want that here. They are using it as motivation.”

Nathan Smith is a freelance writer.

Tags: Norwin