WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio \u2014 The Lakota West football team earned bragging rights in the district rivalry against Lakota East Friday night.<\/p>\n
The Firebirds defeated the Thunderhawks 48-18 in front of a sold-out Firebird Stadium of 5,000 fans in a Greater Miami Conference showdown.<\/p>\n
“We got better but we’re still not where we need to be,” Lakota West coach Tom Bolden said. “And we know that.” <\/p>\n
Lakota West improved 7-1 against Lakota East since head coach Tom Bolden took over the Firebirds\u2019 program in 2019.<\/p>\n
Lakota West senior running back Kenyon Norman rushed for 262 yards on 13 carries and four touchdowns in the Firebirds’ victory. <\/p>\n
“He’s that guy,” Bolden said. “He’s a special young man. He’s a phenomenal football player. But, anyone who has come in contact with that man – I always say he’s a better young man. It chokes me up when I talk about him. How special he is. I love them all like sons.”<\/p>\n
Norman had touchdown carries of 72 and 75 yards on Friday night. He earned every bit of the spotlight.<\/p>\n
“A lot of great running backs,” Bolden said. “I don’t know – that kid is different. He’s the best I’ve seen.”<\/p>\n
Norman was grateful for the opportunity to have a memorable game against Lakota East.<\/p>\n
“The best feeling in the world,” Norman said. “It’s my last time playing them. We went out with a bang.”<\/p>\n
Friday was the 30th matchup between East and West including the postseason. The first meeting was in 1998. There was plenty of anticipation for a rivalry game in which the players know each other well.<\/p>\n
“I always joked – I said I just wish it was one high school,” Bolden said. “Holy cow – the dudes they got and we got – that would be pretty special. All sports really. Special win. They’re a good team. We just got after them and didn’t let up.”<\/p>\n
Lakota West earned 458 yards of total offense Friday night. Senior quarterback Jackson Smith was 8 of 9 passing for 155 yards and two touchdown passes to senior wide receiver Karmelo Jordan in the second half. Jordan had three receptions for 120 yards overall in the game. <\/p>\n
Senior Roman Combs (Purdue commit) had a forced fumble and recovery for a 48-yard touchdown in the third quarter. He also had an interception. Junior linebacker Judah Blair had 13 tackles for the Firebirds.<\/p>\n
Lakota West also earned its second straight home win after its victory over St. Xavier in the season opener Aug. 21.<\/p>\n
Lakota West (2-0) plays at Mason (1-1) Sept. 4. Lakota East (1-1) plays at Oak Hills (2-0) Sept. 4.<\/p>\n