ONEIDA – Playoff scenarios did not pan out for the Purple Tornado this weekend, but a win over previously-unbeaten Oneida made a big statement for Section IV football.

“I think it does say a lot about the type of football we play in Section IV,” said Norwich coach John Pluta of his team’s fifth win this year. “They came in as the number two team in the state, and we were coming off losses to two tough teams. It was very hard hitting on both sides, but I don’t think they’ve had the type of battles we have had.”

The Tornado returned to the level of dominance that has typified the program for just about two decades. The Indians were held to just 120 yards of total offense – 40 of those in the running game on 26 carries. Still, it took a last-minute touchdown to put Norwich on top.

Oneida grabbed a 9-8 lead with just under six minutes to play on Brandon Miles’ 27-yard field goal. The Indians’ victory hopes looked more promising after stopping Norwich’s go-ahead TD drive on the eight-yard line.