Norwich’s Eli Rodriguez shakes of one Chenango Forks’ tackler and looks to get past another on a kickoff during the first half of Friday night’s game. The Tornado senior ended the game with 216 all-purpose yard but Norwich fell 28-21 to the No.2 Blue Devils. (Evening Sun Photo, Frank Speziale)

NORWICH – Chenango Forks had their backs up against the ropes to the host Norwich Purple Tornado as the two teams were tied later in the fourth quarter. With 1:45 left in the contest, Forks’ Lucas Scott, scored from two-yards out to give the Blue Devils the one score lead.

On the ensuing possession, the Tornado drove the ball down the field into Forks’ territory but a pass thrown by Griffin Mills was picked by the anticipating Blue Devils’ defender Ethan Brown to end Norwich’s hopes of tying the game up before the end of regulation.

Chenango Forks kneed the ball to run the clock out and sneak away with a 28-21 victory on the road Friday night.

Norwich quarterback Griffin Mills completed 13 of 29 passes for 173 yards, a 45-percent completion rate for the Tornado and senior Eli Rodriguez came away with a 151 return yards – 70 of which came on a punt return in the third quarter that gave the home team the lead.

“The positive to look at after this game is that we can play with anyone,” said Norwich head coach Mike Chrystie. “Our boys bought into our philosophy, our scheme and most importantly – to one another and look what happened. We nearly took down the No. 2 team in New York State.”