Norwich’s Eli Rodriguez goes up to get a pass late in the second quarter against Chenango Forks Friday night. The senior Tornado receiver led the team with four catches and 39 yards but Norwich fell 48-17. (Dan Gilmore Photo)

CHENANGO FORKS – The host and top-seeded Chenango Forks Blue Devils’ earned the early advantage over the Norwich defense. Unlike the first meeting this season, the Purple Tornado were unable to answer the Forks offense and saw the 2019 season come to a close Friday night at the Blue Devils won 48-17.

“I thought we had a great week of practice and we were ready to play,” said Norwich head coach Mike Chrystie. “Unfortunately [Chenango Forks’] early success was big for them and we just couldn’t recover.”

Chenango Forks’ work load rested mostly upon the shoulders of Lucas Scott, the Blue Devils 6 foot-4 inch, 250 pound running back, as the junior scored five touchdowns.

“Lucas Scott is a load,” said the Norwich head coach. “He did a great job of hitting the hole and cutting back inside. If you try to tackle him high, he is tough to bring down.”

He finished the game with 187 yards on 22 rushing attempts, averaging 8.5 yards a carry.

Forks’ passing game was also on point as quarterback Ray Austin went a perfect 4-for-4 for 73 yards and a touchdown. His top receiver was Ethan Brown, who caught two passes for 39 yards and was on the receiving end of the scoring play.