Parma, OH- After a round one exit in the 2024 season, Holy Name looked to begin the 2025 campaign on a high note. They did just that, beating Normandy 55-12. This win is the first week 1 win since 2022 for the Green Wave.
The game started with a bold play from Normandy-an onside kick. After the ball was bobbled by HN, the Invaders quickly pounced and took the football. However, the Normandy offense could not get rolling. Nick Nemeth had a TFL while Kae’Leon Cleveland sacked the Invaders quarterback Jakob Muniak.
Holy Name wasted no time on their opening drive as the offensive unit found good rhythm and balance. Eso Gonzalez helped Holy Name quarterback Connor Jamison by making a big 15-yard catch. That reception would set up Xavier Rodriguez to score the Green Wave’s first touchdown of the new year on a 27-yard rush. With 8:38 on the clock in the first, HN led 7-0.
Muniak was able to find a receiver to begin the Invaders’ second drive, but Blake Troy and Tommy Ontko forced a fumble that was recovered by Noah Wallace. Receptions from Brendon Preisel and Nemeth set up Kayden Parker for a one-yard rushing score, putting Holy Name up 14-0. To follow it up, the Namer defense remained strong, forcing a three-and-out.
On the following drive, Gonzalez would make two catches. The first went for 12 yards while the second was a 21-yard touchdown. This score gave Holy Name a 21-0 lead heading into the second quarter. For context, the Green Wave averaged 14 points per game in 2024. Additionally, they scored 21 points the last time they played Normandy.
The Invaders’ fortunes would seemingly change for the better as Cameron Hayden would catch a long throw from Muniak, getting a 43-yard gain in the process. Jai Hebebrand would take his only carry to close out this drive with a one-yard touchdown run. Normandy opted to go for two, but came up short. With 9:12 left in Q2, Holy Name led 21-6. Parker would run for a first down on the following drive, but a sack from Fernando Acevedo stalled the HN offense. A Nemeth punt pinned Normandy within its own 10-yard line. Nemeth wouldn’t be done as he ended the Invaders’ drive with an interception. However, Ray Brown would force a fumble, giving his offense a chance to strike back.
Normandy would get their second big break of the second quarter as Nick Williams caught a 54-yard pass from Brown. This set up Acevedo for a two-yard rushing score. Just like the first attempt, the two-point try was unsuccessful for the Invaders. With 4:07 on the clock in the first half, HN led 21-12. Both sides would trade fumbles, bringing the Namer offense back onto the field. Nemeth had a few knocks in this game, but he bounced back nicely with a 20-yard rushing touchdown. Then, he returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown. At halftime, Holy Name led 34-12.
Williams would come back for another highlight reel play in the third quarter as he hauled in a 33-yard reception. Once again, however, HN had the last laugh as Preisel would pick off Muniak. Nemeth would continue his stellar game as he had 14 and 12 yard receptions along with 19 and 4 yard rushes, with the latter rush being a touchdown. Luke Hudak would join the INT parade with one of his own on the following drive. Parker would find the endzone after Holy Name got the ball back. Just like his first touchdown, his second came on a one-yard rush. That put Holy Name up 48-12.
The Green Wave would end their excellent scoring night with some fireworks. Noah Wallace returned an interception 30 yards for a pick-six, the second of the game for HN. However, it would be Troy who caught the final interception of the game for the Green Wave. Troy’s INT marked six on the night for the Namers. Hudak would come in for Jamison to close out the game as Holy Name earned its first win of the next season, 55-12.
Last season, Jamison had some trouble with interceptions. In total, he had 12 in 10 games during the 2024 season. He looked more comfortable and adjusted in the pocket and had good awareness. After the game, Holy Name head coach Dan Wondowlowski talked about the fact that Jamison should be nearing some division one offers, as he has the talent and frame. The rest of the Namer offense was improved as well. Players such as Parker, Rodriguez, and Nemeth acted as ‘gadget guys’ who moved around given the different formations.
As for the Invaders, Muniak had a couple of good passes downfield. Mario Stewart, Hayden, and Williams proved they have the talent and ability to be big weapons for the junior quarterback this season. The bulk of Brown’s carries came late in the game, potentially indicating a change in game plan heading into week two against Ravenna. Holy Name will have its penultimate home game at North Royalton’s Serpentini Chevrolet Stadium next Friday against 2024 standouts Gilmour Academy. The Lancers open up their season on Saturday against Benedictine.
The Healthiest You Chiropractic Center Player of the Game: Nick Nemeth (Holy Name- 3 Touchdowns, 2 INT’s)
Watch the Full Game Here: https://www.youtube.com/live/WuZMgh6qFDI?si=fjfJdn1obiS7IDsw
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