2024 Snapshot: Norwood

There hasn’t been much to cheer about for Norwood football fans in recent years. The Indians haven’t finished above .500 since 2016. After back-to-back 2-8 campaigns the program hit rock bottom going 1-9 in Matt Money’s first year the head coach, last fall. Despite the difficulties in the victory side of the ledger, Money believes this team is capable of making great strides, with a year under their belts in the new systems and in the weight room.

Norwood must replace eight starters on offense, but Money is excited about what will hit the field in 2024. “We have a strong skills group with a ton of talent and plenty of young players returning with varsity experience.” The Class of 2027 showed great promise, a year ago, as freshmen. It will be fun to watch new stars emerge at Shea Stadium in over the next several seasons.

On defense, the Indians return eight starters but there is plenty to improve upon. Norwood gave up 34.9 points per game last fall. They were battered in the trenches giving up 30 touchdowns rushing on the season and allowing 190 yards or more on the ground six times. The coaching staff expects the veteran returnees to step up, take ownership and pride in the way they perform. It will be key if this team is to take it to the next level.

The schedule presents the opportunity to get off to a good start. The first four teams on the slate all had losing records in 2023. Keep an eye on how Norwood fares against its Division V, Region 20 peers. Since moving down from Division IV, Region 16 two year ago, the Indians are 2-10 versus Region 20 schools (both wins against North College Hill). How they fare in those contests will be a good barometer of how far this team has come in their quest for prosperity under Money.

Division V, Region 20
2023 RECORD: 1-9, 1-4 MVC Scarlet
COACH: Matt Money (1-9 at Norwood, one year, 1-9 overall, one year)

HONOR ROLL
Colton Hull, Jr, TE/DE – The leader of the defense and one of the few proven commodities on the Indians roster. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Hull was a OPSWA Division V Second Team All-Southwest District selection after getting in on 35 total tackles, with three sacks, six-and-a-half tackles for losses as a sophomore.

D.J. Blair, Sr, WR/DB – Will be leaned on heavily, offensively, and should have a breakout senior campaign. Blair who was named Second Team All-MVC Scarlet as a junior, has 25 receptions, 417 receiving yards, two touchdown catches, 684 all-purpose yards, a kickoff return for a score, 28 total tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception in his career. He has offers from Dayton, Valparaiso, Morehead State and several Ivy League schools.

OTHER RETURNEES
Marvin Paulino, Sr, OL/DL – The 6-foot-1, 266-pound Paulino will be counted on for senior leadership along the o-line.

Laterrio Washington, So, OL/DL – A returning starter, the 6-foot-2, 270-pound Washington acquitted himself rather well in his varsity debut.

Aiden Meadors, So, OL/LB – A pleasant surprise in 2023. Meadors has all-conference potential. He tallied 20 total tackles and had a fumble recovery as a freshman.

JeRod Lindsey, So, RB/DB – The future looks bright for Lindsey who showed flashes of stardom as a freshman. He ran for 132 yards, had a rushing touchdown, 22 total tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(five appearances, 2-5) – 2020, 2014, 2012, 2004, 1991

2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/24 – SHRODER (3-6 in 2023)– 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/30/24 – at Mariemont (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/24 – at Deer Park (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/24 – CLARK MONTESSORI (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/24 – ST. BERNARD-ELMWOOD PLACE (8-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/24 – at CHCA (5-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/24 – NORTH COLLEGE HILL (1-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/24 – at Purcell Marian (10-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/24 – SUMMIT COUNTRY DAY (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/24 – ROGER BACON (6-5) – 7:00 PM

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