Frank Speziale Photo

NORWICH – After a year without facing one another, the Purple Tornado took to the gridiron on Friday night against longtime rival, the Oneonta Yellowjackets. Norwich racked up 646 yards on offense with 511 coming in the ground game in the win over Oneonta on Friday, 56-20, including two separate players that finished with more than 200 yards rushing.

The Purple Tornado’s senior Drew Walsh led the way with a game-high 290 yards on 17 carries, scoring five touchdowns in his team’s win. His partner in the backfield Eric Conant used his speed for 218 yards on 11 carries and one touchdown.

Norwich took their opening drive down the field and called Walsh’s number to punch it in from one yard out. Later in the quarter, the Tornado senior found a big hole that was created by the offensive line and ran the ball 64 yards to the endzone for his second score.

“I have to give the credit to my [offensive] line for my performance,” said Walsh. “The holes were just ginormous. I have never seen them like that and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

On the ensuing drive, the Yellowjackets passing game came alive as Oneonta quarterback Tony Giovagnoli connected with Graham Wooden for a 42-yard touchdown pass to pull the Yellowjackets to within seven points.