'Statement win': Norwayne's defense leads to offense once again in rout of Hillsdale
CRESTON — Norwayne's defense transformed into a turnover tornado over the first three weeks of the season, coming up with 14 takeaways during an undefeated start.
The Bobcats proved their defensive playmaking is very much a part of who they are in a big Wayne County Athletic League matchup with Hillsdale Friday.
Lucas Dudte and Dylan Smith each returned interceptions for touchdowns in the first quarter, setting the tone for a 49-14 Norwayne win as the Bobcats picked up a statement win on their home field.
"It was a statement win, definitely," Dudte said. "A lot of people were overlooking us because we lost a lot of seniors, but we have guys that can play football."
Norwayne (4-0, 1-0 WCAL) didn't run an offensive play until the second quarter... and still led 14-0 at the end of the first.
Dudte picked off Hillsdale's Jack Fickes on the first drive of the game, not only ending a promising Falcons trek down the field but running it 69 yards the other way for the first touchdown of the night.
"We have a lot of kids who are really disciplined and watch film and understand their coverages and understand their roles," Norwayne coach Adam Indorf said of his defense. "They really get after it and hone their skill."
Smith, who was already on pace for a historic defensive season heading into Friday, one-upped his teammate on the next possession, intercepting a pass and returning it 84 yards for a score. It marked Smith's third game this season with a pick-six and gave him eight interceptions this season — tying the single-season school record with six games left in the regular season.
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"He worked incredibly hard this offseason and knew he had an opportunity to do something great," Indorf said. "He shows up every day, punches the clock and does his thing."
The first time Norwayne's offense did touch the ball, the Bobcats made it look easy, with Mason Moyer capping off the drive with a five-yard TD run to give the Bobcats a 21-0 lead.
Hillsdale never got closer than 14 points the rest of the way, despite churning out more 279 first-half yards, including a 98-yard touchdown pass from Fickes to Hayden McFadden — setting a new school record for longest play from scrimmage, according to Hillsdale coach Trevor Cline.
But Norwayne's advantageous defense and high-powered offense was too much for a Hillsdale team playing without multiple starters.
"I don't know if there's a weakness on that team," Cline said. "They're 11 guys strong on offense and defense. We knew going into this game our best defense was going to be our offense, if we could sustain drives and keep their offense off the field. Early on, we moved the ball up and down the field, they just caught us on a couple plays."
Senior Norwayne QB Jaxon Siegenthaler continued to make plays during his first year as a starter, throwing for 172 yards and three TDs without an interception on 10-of-14 passing. Dudte, Smith and Mason Saal each caught touchdown passes.
"Last year and this year, he's completely different," Dudte said of his quarterback. "It's crazy how much he's grown. Me and Dylan are both very proud of him."
Dillon Morlock had one of his best games of the year for the Bobcats, rushing for 95 yards and a score on 20 carries.
Player of the Game: Lucas Dudte, Norwayne
Dudte's pick-six with 8:09 left in the first quarter completely changed the game. He also caught a 40-yard touchdown pass on the first play of a Norwayne drive after a Hillsdale turnover on downs, giving the Bobcats an insurmountable 42-14 lead midway through the third quarter.
Top Performers
Norwayne: Jaxon Siegenthaler (10-of-14, 172 yards, 3 TDs), Dillon Morlock (20 rushes, 95 yards, TD), Mason Moyer (7 rushes, 48 yards, TD), Lucas Dudte (3 catches, 61 yards, TD; 69-yard INT return TD), Mason Saal (2 catches, 41 yards, TD), Dylan Smith (2 catches, 37 yards, TD; 84-yard INT return TD)
Hillsdale: Jack Fickes (5-of-10, 169 yards, 2 TDs; 10 rushes, 34 yards), Braylen Jarvis (16 rushes, 75 yards; 3 catches, 63 yards, TD), Hayden McFadden (1 catch, 98 yards, TD)
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Football: Norwayne beats Hillsdale in big WCAL matchup
