Norwin hopes to turn tables after being ‘pushed around’ by Latrobe last year

By: Paul Schofield
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 | 8:35 PM

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Norwin and Latrobe are meeting for the 60th time at 7 p.m. Friday.

The longtime Route 30 rivals were original members of the Foothills Conference, where they produced some great games. Will this be another classic?

The Knights lead the series 33-25-1, but the Wildcats won last season 42-28 by unleashing a powerful ground attack. The Wildcats outrushed the Knights, 451-117.

“They had a good running game and pushed us around,” Norwin coach Mike Brown said. “I expect them to try the same thing.”

Latrobe outgunned Norwin quarterback Tristyn Tavares, who completed 16 of 32 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for two scores. Wide receiver Jake Knight had five catches for 106 yards and a score. Potter Brozeski also caught a touchdown pass.

Brown and his Knights will not face the dynamic duo of running back Alex Tatsch, who rushed for 251 yards and four touchdowns, and quarterback John Wetzel, who rushed for 156 yards and a score. Tatsch is at Penn State, and Wetzel is at Pitt.

Brown’s Knights will face a new cast of players. Junior quarterback Dom Scarton has impressed Brown, as has the running trio of sophomore A.J. Yeboah, senior Chris Cochran and senior Cash Achhammer.

“This is a unique game,” Brown said. “Being in 6A, you do not get to play on a grass surface and a place the Steelers practiced on. It is an awesome atmosphere playing in the town amongst houses. It is old-school football.

“Latrobe will be a test. It has a lot of talented players and good, quality backs.”

One talented player missing from the Latrobe lineup is senior all-conference wide receiver Andy Tatsch, who is bothered by a hip injury.

Latrobe first-year coach Tom McIntyre said he expects Tatsch to return later this season.

“He is making progress,” McIntyre said. “He seems to be walking better.”

McIntyre said he was pleased with how well his team responded from a Week Zero loss to Connellsville by rallying to defeat Plum, 42-35, in three overtimes. Yeboah scored three touchdowns in overtime.

“We played well against Connellsville. We just did not get the result we were looking for. We left so many plays on the field,” McIntyre said. “Our special teams were a lot better.

“A.J. was our workhorse. He runs well, has great vision, and he shows a lot of potential. Chris and Cash will get their carries. Dom has shown me a lot a poise and composure for his second start.”

While Brown does not have to worry about Alex Tatsch and Wetzel, McIntyre’s defense will have its hands full against Tavares.

The senior ran for a score and threw a touchdown pass to Brozeski in a 42-7 victory over Kiski Area last week.

In a 34-31 loss to Penn-Trafford in Week Zero, he rushed for 203 yards and three touchdowns and threw for 133 yards and a score.

Running back Giovani Rothrauff has consecutive 100-yard games. He rushed for 116 yards against Penn-Trafford and 121 yards and two scores against Kiski Area.

“Tristan can do it all,” McIntrye said. “We are aware of what he is capable of. He also has talented receivers, and they have a good running game.

“This is a good tuneup for us. We start conference play against Franklin Regional next week.”

Achhammer and Cochran, both linebackers, have led the Wildcats in tackles.

Brown said outside linebacker/tight end Michael DeFazio and defensive back Zach Pawling have played well in the first two games.

Norwin opens 6A action at Seneca Valley next week.

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: Latrobe, Norwin