When Norwich (4-1) takes the field tonight against Maine-Endwell, it may well be facing one of the best Section IV teams over the past 10 seasons. The Spartans, New York State Class A state champions a year ago, return 19 of 22 starting spots from that club. To boot, a drop in enrollment now has M-E competing against smaller Class B schools.

“The best words to define Maine-Endwell on both sides of the ball are fast and physical,” said Norwich coach John Martinson.

What Maine-Endwell has done post haste is score. Without exception, all five of the Spartans’ opponents have found themselves in a significant hole. In comparison to the prior four games, last week’s 41-16 win over Elmira was a tight ballgame. Nevermind, it was a five-touchdown lead late in the fourth quarter when Elmira scored its final points. “They are very impressive,” Martinson said in remarks following last week’s win over Oneonta. “Regardless of the class, I think they are the best team in the state.”