NORWICH – Coming off a division-opening loss the previous week to Owego, Norwich could ill afford another intra-division defeat.

The Purple Tornado avoided that calamity, and evened their overall record, while also squaring their division mark toppling Johnson City, 34-16, here Friday night on homecoming weekend.

Norwich (3-3, 1-1) forced four turnovers, and converted three of those JC miscues into touchdowns.

It was second consecutive turnover-free game for Norwich, who are now on track to qualify for the postseason.

“Mathematically, there are scenarios where we wouldn’t make the playoffs, but I don’t see that happening,” said Norwich head coach Mike Chrystie. “Turnovers aren’t talked about as much, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t as important. …We’ve done a good job with turnovers and taking care of it running and passing the ball.”

Already staked to 7-0 lead on the strength of a Cooper Chrystie to Carter Chrystie touchdown pass, Norwich forced the first of back-to-back JC turnovers late in the first quarter.

A fumble recovery by Norwich’s Gavin Brown deep in the host club’s territory stopped the JC scoring threat. That good fortune preceded a 73-yard scoring drive capped by a Zack Parker six-yard TD run.

Parker had his best day of the season rushing for 224 yards and two scores. Parker’s performance resembled the tremendous rushing performances of his dad, Jeff, in the late 1990s.

Just 2 ½ minutes later, Norwich again forced a Wildcats turnover as Norwich’s Joey Parker recovered a fumble near midfield.

This time, Norwich capitalized quickly as Carter Chrystie hit Josh Lindridge for a 27-yard TD pass.

Norwich capped the three-TD second quarter on another short Parker TD run.

“We were more efficient in the red zone, and for us inside the 25-yard line,” Coach Chrystie said. “We struggled in that area last week, and it was a point of emphasis this week in practice. We capitalized this week, and that was a biggest difference from last week.”

Norwich did give up long drives to Johnson City, but the great equalizer was the four forced turnovers. Norwich had back-to-back interceptions in the second half, one of which led to the final TD.

Carter Chrystie tossed his third TD pass of the game – and second to twin brother Carter Chrystie – hooking up on a 38-yard scoring play that elevated the Norwich advantage to 34-8.

“This week it really was a bend-but-not-break defense,” Coach Chrystie said. “If we’re keeping the other team out of the end zone and winning, I’m fine with it. But that’s not usually something we hang our hat on.”

Norwich looks to move over the .500 mark this coming week when it travels to longtime rival Oneonta. The Yellowjackets are off to a hot start with a 5-1 record through six weeks.

Score by Quarters

JC     0   8   0   8—16

Nor.  7  20  7  0—34

Scoring Summary

N, Cooper Chrystie 15 pass to Carter Chrystie (Zack Parker kick); N, Parker 6 run (kick failed); N, Cooper Chrystie 27 pass to Josh Lindridge (run failed); N, Safety Jaxson Francis tackle of JC running back in end zone; N, Parker 5 run (run failed); JC, Leviticus Phrakousonh 46 pass to Fenesse Morales (two-point run good); N, Cooper Chrystie 38 pass to Carter Chrystie (Parker kick); JC, Morales 7 run (run failed); JC, safety – Norwich QB tackled in end zone.

Individual Statistics

Rushing:  JC team:   52-283 yds.  (N) Zack Parter 24-224, Kaden Downey 3-16, Cooper Chrystie, 10- (-21); Leland Montgomery 1-0.

Passing:  JC team 4-15-2-76; (N) Cooper Chrystie 7-12-0, 156 yds, 3 TDs.

Receiving:  (N) Carter Chrystie 3-67, Kasson Stubbs 3-62, Josh Lindridge 1-27.