By Cole Swafford | CSwaff Media
Photography by Cole Swafford | CSwaff Shots
SPRINGFIELD, OH — Springfield opened the 2026 football season with a dramatic 14-13 overtime victory over Winton Woods on Saturday, August 22, in the first game played at the Wildcats’ newly renovated stadium.
The matchup had plenty of history behind it. Winton Woods had won the previous two season openers between the programs, including a 16-6 victory in 2024 and a 21-14 win in 2025. Springfield entered Saturday night looking to finally change the outcome.
They did exactly that — but it took overtime.
The Wildcats struck first in the extra period when Amileo Norvell Jr. powered into the end zone from one yard out. Natalie Erdman converted the extra point to put Springfield ahead 14-7.
Winton Woods answered with a touchdown of its own, cutting the deficit to 14-13 and setting up one final play.
Instead of kicking the extra point to tie the game, the Warriors went for two and the win.
Springfield’s defense delivered.
With the game on the line, the Wildcats stuffed Winton Woods’ two-point attempt, stopping the run short of the goal line and sending the home crowd into a celebration.
The defense was the story throughout the night. Springfield recorded four sacks and two interceptions, including one from cornerback Keith Ramey, while repeatedly coming up with crucial stops.
Winton Woods opened the scoring in the second quarter after recovering a Springfield punt fumble, giving the Warriors possession just 11 yards from the end zone. Isaiah Garrett eventually found the end zone on a 10-yard touchdown run to put Winton Woods ahead 7-0.
Springfield responded later in the quarter when quarterback CJ Wallace connected with Braylon Keyes for a 57-yard touchdown, tying the game at 7-7.
Neither offense could consistently break through after that, turning the rest of regulation into a defensive battle.
Springfield had an opportunity to take the lead late in the fourth quarter but missed a field goal, sending the game to overtime.
Once overtime arrived, the Wildcats found just enough offense to take the lead before their defense finished the job.
For Springfield, it was more than just a season-opening victory. It was a win over a familiar opponent, a win at a newly renovated stadium, and a chance to finally flip the script against Winton Woods.
After two straight losses in the series, the Wildcats walked away Saturday night with a 14-13 overtime victory and a memorable start to the 2026 season.
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