Norwood is preparing for their first league matchup of the season on Friday. After each having a week off, they and the Sanford Mustangs will shake off the rust and duke it out at 7:00 p.m. The two teams are strolling into their matchups after big wins in their previous games.
Norwood is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another highly-ranked state team: Monticello, who was ranked seventh in their home state at the time (Norwood was ranked 23rd). The Mavericks breezed past the Buckaroo to the tune of 36-6 last Friday.
The critical scores for Norwood came from Owen Tackett, Cole Bray, Daniel Zunich, Holten McCluer, and Caylon Joseph.
Norwood's run defense was locked in: Monticello could only muster -0.2 yards per carry. The team can thank Jackson Dinsmore for the heroic effort on defense: he. Norwood didn't have any issues in that department, having averaged 7.4.
Owen Tackett
| 09/19/25 @ Monticello | 122 |
| 09/12/25 vs Plateau Valley | 83 |
| 09/05/25 vs Vail Christian | 64 |
| 08/29/25 @ Hayden | 137 |
Norwood didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Tackett, Zunich, and Jackson McCabe picked up one apiece. With that strong performance, Tackett is now averaging an impressive 101.5 rushing yards per game. Zunich got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Meanwhile, after only eight points in their last contest, Sanford made sure to put some points up on the board against Fowler last Friday. The Mustangs claimed a resounding 50-18 victory over the Grizzlies. Considering the Mustangs have won three games by more than 19 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Sanford's win bumped their record up to 3-1. As for Norwood, their victory bumped their record up to an identical 3-1.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Norwood has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 199.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Sanford struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 326 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Norwood couldn't quite get it done against Sanford in their previous matchup back in October of 2024 as they fell 20-13. Will the Mavericks have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other football content.
