SHERBURNE – It was Utica Notre Dame last year, and Friday night, it was General Brown.

Sherburne-Earlville upended its second established Section III program in as many years Friday night thoroughly beating the Lions, 40-21, before a robust home crowd.

The Marauders staked their claim as a team to watch amongst Class C teams scoring on offense, defense, and special teams. By the middle of the fourth quarter, head coach Mike Jasper had his second defense on the field to wrap up the contest. “I didn’t expect to have my bench players see time in this game,” Jasper said.

Why would he think that opportunity would avail itself?

General Brown returns as the defending Section III Class champion with six section titles over the past 11 years. In that same time frame, the Marauders have made the playoffs just twice, and have never won a playoff game.

“We still have a lot games to play against playoff teams (from last year), but it was nice to get a quality win against a quality opponent that is well thought of,” Jasper said.

Trailing early to the Lions, Sherburne-Earlville regrouped in the second period – in a big way.

The Marauders erased a seven-point deficit after one with two scoring drives to lead 16-7. After S-E’s second score, General Brown reclaimed the ball at its 35 with 49.9 seconds left in the half. On the first play of the drive, Lions quarterback Evan Will threw a deep ball down the right sideline.