Norwin, Penn-Trafford ready to battle for Route 30 bragging rights

By: Paul Schofield
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 5:32 PM

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Penn-Trafford senior middle linebacker Jamison Yurt has had Friday’s date circled since last year’s game at Norwin.

Norwin senior quarterback Tristyn Tavares also has had this date circled. He and his teammates would like to hang another “L” on Penn-Trafford.

The Knights scored three second-half touchdowns and rallied to defeat the Warriors, 26-14.

Tavares had a big game, completing 6 of 10 passes for 147 yards, which included an 80-yard touchdown pass to Jake Knight. Taveras’ 6-yard touchdown run gave the Knights the lead for good.

The teams square off for the 40th time at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Warrior Stadium in Harrison City.

Even though Friday is a nonconference game and will not affect the standings, the game means a lot to the players, coaches and fans of the two teams.

The “Battle of Route 30” means bragging rights along the highway that separates the schools.

The teams started playing in 1976. They have been conference rivals at times over the years.

“When the WPIAL separated the teams, the schools made sure to keep the rivalry going,” Ruane said. “It is usually a competitive game and good for the communities. The players look forward to the game.”

Both teams dominated their opponents in Saturday’s scrimmages: Norwin against Franklin Regional and Penn-Trafford against Shaler.

Ruane and Norwin coach Mike Brown reminded their teams the scrimmage was over, and it was time to prepare for their Week Zero game.

“It is always a big rivalry,” Tavares said. “It is a big tune-up for the year. Every game is big.”

Brown said he wants his team to play to its standards.

“We want to play a physical brand of football,” Brown said. “Any time you play Penn-Trafford, you know they are well-coached, physical and a disciplined team. We have to match that, and that is what we’ve been telling the players.”

Norwin finished last season with a 2-8 record, 0-6 in 6A. Injuries derailed its season.

This season, Brown said the team is two deep.

“We need to continue to be physical,” Brown said. “We need to keep Tristyn healthy.”

Tavares, a three-year starter, completed 98 of 183 passes for 1,388 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

“He looks poised and is very creative when things break down in the pocket,” Ruane said. “We will have our hands full.”

Norwin also returns leading rusher Giovanni Rothrauff (607 yards and two touchdowns) and leading receiver Knight (30 catches for 422 yards and four touchdowns).

Norwin’s defense must find away to corral Penn-Trafford junior running back Ben Grabowski, who missed much of his sophomore season.

Grabowski and Tasso Whipple (playing at IUP) combined to rush for more than 400 yards against the Knights in 2023. Grabowski ran for 206 yards and four touchdowns.

Ruane plans to use Grabowski different ways. He will mainly be used as a running back, but Ruane will also run him out of the wildcat. He rushed for 779 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman.

Senior Nate Desmond and sophomore Cody Yacamelli will operate behind center, with Desmond getting the start. Ruane said both quarterbacks have improved a lot in the offseason.

Both teams return strong offensive lines. Which group controls the line of scrimmage probably will win the game.

“This game is good for both teams,” Ruane said. “This game will also show us what we needed to work on.”

Brown agreed the game will be good for the teams’ development.

“We told the players that they have to play a physical brand of football,” Brown said, “if we want to play these upper-echelon 5A and 6A teams.

“We must play a complete season. We got complacent. We started listening to how good we were, and that ruined the rest of the season. We have to stay committed and keep working regardless of the outcome.”

Brown said he likes the attitude of his team.

“They are coming together as a team,” Brown said. “It is awesome to see.”

Ruane said he likes the camaraderie of his team as well.

“We have been thinking about last year’s game a lot,” Yurt said. “Everyone is hyped.”

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: Norwin, Penn-Trafford