Canon-Mac Clinches Playoff Berth With Win Over Norwin
Tagged under: District 7, Gameday Hub, News, pfn
Nathan Jones | October 17, 2026
The Canon-McMillan Big Macs hosted the Norwin Knights for a 6A contest. This game had serious playoff implications, and the Big Macs took advantage of that by grabbing their spot in the WPIAL playoffs. Canon-Mac came out hot to start. Their defense opened up the game by forcing a three and out, and the offense followed with a two play drive for a touchdown. The score was from Bryce Collins who was a major factor in the game. His first score came from fifty yards out and set up Canon-Mac with a seven point lead ninety seconds into the game. The Knights were unable to generate any offense though, and after gaining four yards in three plays, they punted. On the next drive, Norwin’s defense came in clutch for them when Aiden Alfera recovered a Big Mac fumble. Another defensive stand by Canon-Mac gave possession back to them, and Collins took over another drive. A couple runs from Collins and a twelve yard completion from Ty Jansma put the Big Macs at the Norwin forty-four. Collins then took his next carry forty yards, and scored on the very next play from four yards out. The two touchdown lead for Canon-McMillan stayed through Norwin’s next drive as they had another three and out. The Big Macs then took down the rest of the first quarter, and on the other side of the break they finished with a Rhys Maentz fourty-four yard field goal.
The Knights continued with three and outs, but a penalty on a fake punt kept the drive alive. This penalty was costly as Norwin capitalized on it and drove all the way down for their first points. Alexander Petrisko put three on the board for the Knights and put the game back into a two possession difference. On the ensuing kickoff, Roman Cimarolli broke free for a ninety-three yard kickoff touchdown. Norwin did not lose hope after this long touchdown though, as they scored their first touchdown of the night three minutes later. This score came from John Gergely on a twelve yard run. With a little over two minutes left, Canon-Mac once again had a two touchdown lead. The aggressive Big Macs bumped that lead up more quickly though when Jansma found Bryan Schmeltz for a thirty one yard touchdown. With only thirty-five seconds left, the Knights were unable to do anything and the game went to halftime.
Canon-Mac began the second half by draining a little over six minutes of game time, and then putting up their final points of the night with another Maentz field goal. Once again though, the Norwin Knights did not hang their heads, and they fought back. Only using three and a half minutes of game time, Norwin scored another touchdown. This time, it was Parker Rigo with the rushing touchdown. His score came from nine yards out. The Knights then forced a crucial three and out to give them life. NHS drove down the field again, but after reaching the Big Mac twenty seven, Norwin had three straight offensive penalties, and found themselves with a first and thirty. This distance was too far, and on fourth down, the Knights quarterback was sacked by Bryce Collins, who just continued to add onto his stats on both sides of the ball. Another three and out by the Big Macs offense led to the next Norwin drive. After the next long drive by the Knights, Collins took over again and forced a fumble. The Big Macs were then able to take a little bit of time off the clock, but eventually punted. Norwin finally got their next score on the board with a little under a minute left. QB Max Ritz found WR Steven Kaefer from one yard out, but the two point try was intercepted by Canon-Mac’s Braelon Wingfield. The following onside kick was recovered by Canon-McMillan and they kneeled to drain the rest of the clock. Bryce Collins finished the night with a career high of 201 rushing yards, along with a forced fumble and a sack on the defensive side.
Canon-Mac (4-4) will host the top ranked Central Catholic Vikings next Friday. Norwin (4-4) will travel to face off against Seneca Valley.
