After 15 unsuccessful tries, could this finally be Norwin’s chance to beat North Allegheny?

By: Paul Schofield
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 6:37 PM

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Could this be the year that Norwin earns its first win against North Allegheny?

Since the series started in 1998, North Allegheny has won all 15 meetings.

But this is a different Norwin team. The No. 3-ranked Knights (3-1, 1-0) are averaging 41 points per game while allowing 13.5.

No. 2 North Allegheny (4-0, 1-0) is scoring 40 points per game while allowing 9.

These teams have similarities – multi-talented quarterbacks, powerful running backs, good receivers and solid defenses.

But what gives North Allegheny an advantage is that it has been in games like this frequently and Norwin has not.

“Norwin has our attention,” North Allegheny coach Art Walker said. “You will not look past them, that is for sure.

“They are very good. They start quickly, and their defense is playing well. We are going to be challenged.”

North Allegheny is led by quarterback Brady Brinkley. He has completed 43 of 72 passes for 576 yards and seven touchdowns. He has also rushed for 161 yards and four scores.

Running back Luke Rohan has rushed for 350 yards and scored nine touchdowns, while the main receivers are Cameron Kuchner, Korry Pitts and Mason Brown, who each have at least eight catches.

Both teams are coming off victories by the same 56-13 score: North Allegheny defeated Hempfield and Norwin won at Seneca Valley.

The trip to Seneca Valley seemed longer because Norwin’s buses arrived late. The cheerleaders and some fans were delayed by a truck fire on the turnpike.

“We felt it was like us against the world,” Norwin coach Mike Brown said. “We did not have a lot of time to think about the game. We got ready and played.”

And played well. The Knights started fast and kept the pressure on the Raiders.

“The win will help our confidence,” Brown said. “We went out and played our game.

“Now we must get ready for North Allegheny. We must be disciplined and continue to play our game. This is a big game. We have to be worried about us.”

Norwin senior quarterback Tristyn Tavares said he has been waiting to play in big games.

He is counting on his offensive line to protect him and open holes for junior running back Giovanni Rothrauff, who has rushed for 491 yards and scored four times.

Tavares has rushed for 404 yards and eight touchdowns while completing 31 of 49 passes for 469 yards and seven scores.

Potter Brozeski has eight catches for 224 yards, Zach Pawling six catches for 45 yards and Jake Knight five catches for 108 yards.

“Quarterbacks like Brady and Tavares give defensive coordinators headaches,” Walker said. “Tavares has a knack of extending plays. We will be focused on him.”

North Allegheny defeated Woodland Hills, 28-26, in Week Zero and then posted three consecutive mercy rule victories, winning by more than 35 points.

Norwin could be 4-0 if it not for a questionable call in Week Zero’s 34-31 loss to Penn-Trafford.

“Tristyn has been playing well,” Brown said. “He is on another level.

“North Allegheny is very good. There are no weaknesses, and their running back is physical. We must match their physicality.”

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: North Allegheny, Norwin