Congratulations to the Norwich Purple Tornado Flag Football team on a great 2023 season. Best of luck to the seniors. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

NORWICH – After facing Owego in the second to last game of the regular season, the Norwich Purple Tornado flag football team prepared to face them again in the second round of sectionals. Norwich appreciated more scoring chances in this contest and attempted to keep up with the Indians, but fell 39-19. Despite the loss, Norwich had another successful season, staying undefeated up until the latter part of the season.

Owego got started early on defense, putting tight pressure on Norwich’s offense. They intercepted the ball on Norwich’s first possession before driving the ball down the field for the first score of the game.

Norwich fought back fairly quick as Quarterback Cameron VanHouten had success finding Sarah Davis and Julie Turner for a few solid pass plays. This strategy set up a nice breakaway rushing touchdown for Sarah Davis to even it up at seven all.

Owego answered back with a quick drive of their own and scored on a long pass play, setting the Norwich defense off guard. Norwich tried on their next possession, but the ball fell back into Owego’s hands at their own two yard line. Owego was able to move the ball and scored on that same drive.

Under two minutes until halftime, Norwich’s VanHouten helped her team drive down the field with big run plays and found receiver Julie Turner for a short pass with 14 seconds to go. Norwich called a timeout before setting up a last crucial play, which Turner caught for the touchdown.

Norwich was down 19-13 at the half before coming back out on defense to start the final 25 minutes.

Owego didn’t waste anytime as they ran down the field, deep in Norwich’s territory. This time, though, the Purple defense was fierce with a big sack by Karoline Olesen to set up a fourth down, which the Indians went for and a stop was made by Brynley Ryan. Norwich took over, but was forced to punt.

Owego scored three more times as Norwich tried different plays that didn’t work out in their favor. They had Olivia Schiraldi and Josey Ryan in at quarterback with a few nice run plays, but Owego’s heavily pressured defense forced them to throw the ball into their hands or to turnover on downs.

With under two minutes remaining in regulation, Senior Kayla Sherman was in as quarterback. Sherman made great plays on fourth downs to set up a Emma Urgo touchdown with 38 seconds left. Owego elected to take a knee to end the game as Norwich put its seniors in for the final play of the game.

Congratulations Norwich on a great season and best of luck to the seniors.