For the first time since 2019, the War-Cat Trophy is back in Norwalk.

Highlighted by Aidan Harder’s impressive debut as a starting varsity quarterback, the Norwalk football team scored early and often Friday night in opening the season with a 52-32 win at Carlisle. The game was streamed live on kniakrls.com (KNIA3).

The Warriors never trailed in the contest and set the tone on the first play from scrimmage when Harder connected with a wide-open Eli Robbins for an 80-yard touchdown pass.

By the time it was all said and done, Harder passed for 389 yards (unofficially) and five TDs – two each to Robbins and Keilor Rodman and one to freshman tight end Luke Brewer. Four of the five scoring completions covered at least 43 yards as Warrior receivers frequently got behind the Wildcat secondary.

Norwalk defeated Carlisle for the first time in four years to regain possession of the War-Cat Trophy that goes to the winning team each year. Warrior head coach Paul Patterson called the victory a big confidence builder for an inexperienced team and was pleased with his squad’s performance in many facets. In addition to the big plays on offense, the Warriors had some nice kick returns and also got a late pick-six TD from linebacker Isaac Sutcliffe.

“All around good night,” Patterson said “Several turnovers [forced], we took care of the football. You want your play makers to be seen and to make ‘em, and my goodness did we get that done tonight.

“We’re excited. This is the first time since 2019 that we’ve beat (Carlisle)… and now to be back up on top and have the trophy back home is awesome for us.”

Norwalk led just 14-10 late in the first half, then caught a break when a low snap led to Carlisle’s punter taking a knee near the 20-yard line. A few plays later, Rodman’s eight-yard TD catch made it a two-score game at the break.

Carlisle cut the margin to 21-18 and 28-25 in the third quarter, but the Warriors answered with immediate touchdowns both times and outscored the Wildcats 24-7 during the final 16:02. Caleb Nordhagen scored two touchdowns on the night for Carlisle.

Norwalk will now play its only non-district home game on the schedule, hosting Indianola on Friday, September 1, at 7:00 p.m. The Indians also looked good in Week 1, shutting out Urbandale 31-0.