ENDWELL – The machine that is the Maine-Endwell’s football team had a bit of breakdown in the first half of Saturday’s home game against Norwich.

After trading touchdowns in a wild back-and-forth second quarter, the Spartans took command in the third quarter en route to a 42-14 victory over the Purple Tornado.

M-E, a Class B state finalist last year and the number one ranked Class B team in the state, scored three touchdowns in the third quarter to break away from a 21-14 halftime lead.

“I thought, being down seven at the half to the number one team in the state, was a good position going into the second half,” said Norwich coach Mike Chrystie. “I felt we executed well in the first half, and it built our confidence.”

Norwich (5-3), though suffered game-ending injuries to several key players – most of whom played full-time on both sides of the ball. Those absences proved critical as M-E imposed its will.

Preston Ocker capped a 10-play scoring drive to start the second half scoring on a one-yard run. Following a Norwich punt, Tyler Mathews capped a three-TD day, dashing 48 yards for a score.

After Norwich turned it over on the next possession, Jaden Branch capped the day’s scoring rushing it in from three yards out.