Norwich huddles up prior to the Sectionals semi-finals vs Windsor. Norwich finished 7-4 on the season after falling to M-E in the championship. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

MAINE-ENDWELL – After a pumped up send off in town, the Norwich Purple Tornado football team were on their way to the Sectional championship. Unfortunately, Maine-Endwell had the ball rolling in their favor at home with a 37-13 victory to continue another undefeated season.

Norwich was led by Holden Ryan, who broke the Norwich single season rushing record with 1,845 yards. He scored in the fourth quarter and finished with 34 carries for 210 yards while picking up 48 receiving yards. Ryan will be back next season where he will continue paving the way as a Senior leader.

Braden Hagenbuch also had an impressive season. The sophomore was primarily covered all game where he only found leverage on a one yard touchdown run, but was held to negative yardage.

The Norwich defense stood their ground on the pass with only allowing 20 yards, but M-E knew the run game was their strongest suit.

Both Norwich and M-E had strong run games with over 200 yards each, but it was the Spartans who had the advantage (389-212). Running back Aiden McHugh could not be stopped as he rushed for seven carries for 145 yards with three touchdowns.

Despite the loss, Norwich had a great season, where they did well against league opponents, such as Windsor who they defeated in the semi-finals. They ended with a 7-4 record, behind M-E in second place. The four tough losses came from prominent schools such as Waverly, M-E (twice), and Westhill. Norwich can only be proud of themselves for making it this far against tough competition and for continuing to be a strong and dedicated football program. Good luck to all seniors.

Scores by Quarter

NOR 0 6 0 7–13

M-E 16 8 13 0—37

Scoring Plays:

M, McHugh 48 yard run (2-point conversion run by Policare), M, Policare 20 yard run (2-point conversion run by McHugh is good), Mancini eight yard run (2-point conversion run by Creveling is good); N, Braden Hagenbuch one yard run (2-point conversion pass by Mitchell Collins to Holden Ryan is no good); M, McHugh 56 yard run (2-point conversion pass by Policare to Beatty is no good); M, McHugh 25 yard run (extra point is good); N, Holden Ryan five yard run (Spencer Root kick is good).

Team Summary:

First Downs: N 18, M-E 18. Rushes-yds: N 39-212, M-E 34-389. Passing: N 11-26,130 yds, 1 int; M-E 1-2, 20 yds. Total Yards: N 342, M-E 409. Punts-avg: N 3-42.3, M-E 1-41.0. Fumbles-Lost: N 0-0, m-e 1-1. Penalties-yds: N 9-125, M-E 10-95. Records: N 7-4, M-E 10-0.

Individual Stats:

Rushing: N, Holden Ryan 34-210 yds, TD; Mason Edwards 2-7 yds, Steven Dowdall 1 (-2) yds, Braden Hagenbuch 2 (-3) yds, TD. M, McHugh 7-145 yds, 3 TD; Woolfolk 3-70 yds, Mancini 4-68 yds, TD; Policare 7-63 yds, TD; Creveling 7-35 yds, Nyschot 2-5 yds, Sadler 1-4 yds, #3 1-1, Beatty 1-0, Branch 1 (-2).

Passing: N, Steven Dowdall 11-26, 130 yds, 1 int. M, Policare 1-2, 20 yds.

Receiving: N, Holden Ryan 3-48 yds, Mitchell Collins 3-48 yds, Quincy Carnachan 1-25 yds, Mason Edwards 1-8 yds, Braden Hagenbuch 3-1 yd, Richard Fuller 0-0. M, McHugh 1-20 yds, Creveling 0-0.