Norton (9-1) hosts West Geauga (9-2) at Norton Community Stadium on Friday, Nov. 6, to kick off their OHSAA Division IV playoff runs. The No. 4 seed received a first-round bye, allowing them to rest while the No. 5 seed West Geauga defeated Hubbard 24-14 in their opener. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two programs since 1989, raising the stakes for a historic contest that determines who advances to the Region 13 semifinals. The winner will face the victor of the No. 1 Streetsboro vs. No. 8 Orrville clash, setting up a potentially high-profile semifinal battle.
Top-seeded Panthers aim to snap 35-year losing streak against Eagles in Division IV opener
Norton quarterback Trey Kersten enters the game as one of Summit County’s most dominant dual-threat players. Coming off a four-touchdown performance against Cloverleaf in Week 10, Kersten has thrown for 1,921 yards and 23 touchdowns on 135-of-197 passing. His ground game is equally potent, with 112 carries for 756 yards and 12 scores. Supporting him is wide receiver Alex Meinen, a two-way force who has hauled in 65 passes for 896 yards and 12 touchdowns while also contributing defensive plays, including an interception and a fumble recovery in the final regular-season game.
West Geauga’s path to the playoffs was secured by a decisive 24-14 victory over Hubbard, giving them momentum heading into this critical matchup. For Norton, running back Jason Beverly remains the primary rushing threat, having scored on a 4-yard run in Week 10 and carrying the ball 125 times this season. Fans can follow the action and other Ohio high school football games live on the NFHS Network. With both teams boasting strong regular-season records, this contest promises to be a tactical battle for regional supremacy in Division IV.
Source: Yahoo Sports
