NORWICH – Norwich’s defense played well with the exception of two instances. It’s best defense, however, proved a ball-control offense that controlled the clock more than two-thirds of the 48-minute game.

Chris Mattingly punctuated a 176-yard rushing day running 53 yards for a score in the final 1:14 of play to seal the Tornado’s 42-21 win over Johnson City at Alumni Field Saturday afternoon.

Mattingly also scored on a 14-yard run as Norwich racked up 350 yards rushing. “The line did a good job today opening up holes,” Mattingly said after the win. “I think some people may have underestimated us, but we have a lot of good players back.”

Norwich played keep-away in the first half holding the ball all but 43 seconds. After driving for its first score, Jake Fazio’s kickoff found a gap in the JC return unit, and Alex Williams pounced on the ball. Four players later, Nate Foote hit Jesse Prosser on a 24-yard, fourth-down TD pass. Norwich would score on four of its five first-half drives with its only slip-up a fumble inside the JC 10-yard line as it was poised to add more points.