NORFOLK - In a battle of defending State Champions, Norfolk Catholic comes away with the 36-7 victory over Boone Central, thanks to an explosive offense and bruising defense.

This game between the Knights and the Cardinals marked the 20th time in the past 20 years that the rivals have met. Norfolk Catholic led the series 13-6 in the past 19 battles and both teams carried major win streaks into Thursday nights game.

The Knights won their 27th-straight game last week against Bishop Neumann, while Boone Central grabbed their 14th in a row over Cedar Catholic.

Norfolk Catholic began the game with their offense on the field, using a strong running game with Trevin Sukup to create opportunities for quarterback Callen Marshall in the air.

Marshall found Braden Boyle for a 6-yard score to kickstart the Knights offensive output, giving them a 7-0 lead.

After a short Boone Central possession, Norfolk Catholic went back to work, moving back down the field. Callen Marshall found Max Hammond from 14 yards out for the Knight's second touchdown of the game. The PAT was blocked by Brogan Benes.

Norfolk Catholic would score again as Max Hammond booted a 30-yard field goal through the posts. Hammond would have a chance at another kick at the end of the first half, but his 41-yard try careened off the crossbar.

The Cardinals offense was stifled again to start the third quarter, already trailing 16-0. The Knights got the ball back and Trevin Sukup exploded down the sideline for a 64-yard touchdown.

Norfolk Catholic's offense didn't stop there. Callen Marshall nabbed his third touchdown pass of the night, finding Nathan Timmerman who gashed the defense for a 49-yard score to increase the lead to 30-0.

The Cardinals would get a late touchdown pass as Jacob Miller found Kaden Miller in the back of the endzone.

Norfolk Catholic scored one final time, as Will Brockhaus took a load of the final drive's carries and finished it off with a 5 yard touchdown run, with the PAT missing wide left.

The 36-7 Norfolk Catholic win extends their streak to 28-games and head coach Jeff Bellar continues his reign of dominance with his 408th victory.

Callen Marshall threw for 176 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Knights win. Trevin Sukup finished with 127 yards on the ground and a touchdown, plus adding in an interception on the defensive side of the ball.

Nathan Timmerman and Hayden Kelly led the way receiving for Norfolk Catholic, with Kelly securing four catches for 63 yards and Timmerman catching two passes for 63 yards and a score.

Boone Central quarterback Jacob Miller led the way offensively for the Cardinals, throwing for 112 yards with a touchdown and an interception, plus tacking on 45 yards on the ground.

With the win, Norfolk Catholic starts off 2024 2-0 and will host North Bend Central next Thursday.

Boone Central's record evens to 1-1 and has a marquee matchup next Friday with Battle Creek around the corner.