Putting on the Ritz: New Norwin quarterback finding his groove

Reluctantly, Norwin had to turn the page at quarterback when four-year starter Tristyn Tavares graduated.

There was uncertainty with his replacement. In fact, coach Mike Brown said during the summer he might use multiple QBs until he found the right one.

Max Ritz looks like the right one.

The junior has merged seamlessly into the role and has shown poise in three starts for the Knights (2-1).

After a 38-28 win over Latrobe in which he ran (127) and threw (124) for over 100 yards, Ritz was on point again in Week 3. He finished 9 of 15 for 150 yards and three touchdown passes, all to senior Potter Brozeski, in a 54-7 win over Franklin Regional.

“Max is growing up before our eyes,” Brown said. “He is showing confidence in his reads. He knows he’s the guy and does what we need him to do. He has a Mike Winchell (from Friday Night Lights) quality to him. He’s always calm, cool and collected. He stays even-keeled throughout (games), which is pretty impressive for a young man.”

Ritz is quietly doing a lot more than handing off dozens of times to senior running back Giovanni Rothrauff. He is getting the ball out quickly and also using his legs to move the sticks.

“Max has gained a lot more confidence,” Brozeski said. “I have been playing with Max all my life. He has a great feel for the game.”

Ritz and Brozeski had their timing down against Franklin Regional. They hooked up for scores of 18, 21 and 38 yards. Brozeski had a career night as he also took a punt back 45 yards to the end zone.

Ritz is a good lacrosse player but is looking the part of QB as the season moves ahead.

His story could mirror that of former Penn-Trafford QB Carter Green, a lacrosse standout who found a niche under center and helped lead the Warriors to WPIAL and PIAA championships in 2021.

Norwin hasn’t put that kind of pressure on his shoulders, but if it did, the low-key Ritz would probably just shrug it off.

“I try to be patient and let plays develop,” Ritz said. “If not, I can run.”