By Patrick Newell

Sun Sports Editor

pnewell@evesun.com

SIDNEY – The town of Sidney, like many other area communities, was wracked by the devastating flood of last week. As the cleanup process continues, the football team provided a nice diversion Saturday afternoon against visiting Norwich.

Sidney’s first-period interception return for the touchdown was complemented by a trick play in the fourth quarter that doubled the lead, and the Warriors held Norwich scoreless until the final minute of the game winning 12-6.

Matthews “After our first game, we got beat up a little bit, and we tried to go back to basics and get more physical,” said Sidney coach Jeff Matthews. “The two-week break kind of helped us forget what happened (in the first game).”

Norwich had trouble moving the ball throughout the game as Sidney’s aggressive defensive game plan bottled up the Tornado offense.

Norwich quarterback Seth Thomsen was bothered all game by Sidney’s ferocious pass rush, and it was that pass rush that led to the “pick six.” Harassed by an oncoming defender, Thomsen underthrew his intended receiver, and Jon Wingate grabbed the ball and raced 39 yards untouched scoring just 5:04 into the game.

That touchdown held up for most of the game, although Sidney was in prime position to add to its advantage.

“Give Norwich credit,” Matthews said. “They played good defense, and every time we got in the red zone, they had an answer.”