Congratulations to the Norwich cheer and football seniors. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

NORWICH — The Norwich Purple Tornado football and cheer programs honored its seniors prior to kickoff against Owego on Friday night.

Congratulations to football players Carmine Pastore, Jaxson Shaver, Landyn Zdanowicz, Teagyn Demuth, Hector Ceballos, Joseph Towndrow, Anderson Bosworth, Collin Howe, Spencer Colley, Anthony Roberts, Cameron Carnachan, and ScottLee Gallagher.

Seniors Alexys Strozier, Linda Brown, and Bria James were recognized for cheer.

Norwich football fought hard in a tough matchup, ultimately falling to Owego 49-14 (28-14 at halftime).

After falling behind 21-0 early due to an opening kickoff return for a touchdown and a pair of rushing scores, Norwich ignited their momentum in the second quarter. A stellar 24-yard reception by Noah Eddy set up a 2-yard quarterback keeper touchdown by Bo Brown to get Norwich on the board. Just before halftime, a trick play resulting in a completion to Carmine Pastore set up a first-and-goal at the 5-yard line with just three seconds remaining. Bo Brown punched it in for his second rushing touchdown of the half, followed by a successful two-point conversion pass to Gavin Burrell under heavy pressure, cutting the deficit to 28-14 at the break.

While Norwich was unable to find the end zone in the second half as the opposing team pulled away with three additional scores, the squad continued to battle with gritty plays like a fumble recovery by Collin Howe.

Norwich's offense was anchored by quarterback Bo Brown, who orchestrated key drives with his passing and scoring ability, punching in two rushing touchdowns (including a 2-yard score and a 5-yard keeper TD before the half) and converting crucial fourth-down plays with his legs. Through the air, Bo connected with Noah Eddy (who tallied 26 yards on receptions, including a crucial 24-yard catch), Baylen Miller (13-yard reception), Joey Parker (vital completions to move deep into territory), and Carmine Pastore (key catch on a trick play just before halftime). The ground game also featured tough yards from Nick Sylstra, Bryce Wellington, Baylen Miller, and Joey Parker. On special teams, Gavin Burrell provided a spark by returning a kickoff out to the 27-yard line and catching the successful two-point conversion, while Cameron Carnachan delivered a special teams return to the opponent's 44-yard line.

Defensively, Norwich faced a high-powered opposing attack but recorded several standout stops and plays. The defensive effort was led by tacklers Nick Sylstra, Damion DuBois, Gavin Burrell, Bryce Wellington, Quentin Berg, ScottLee Gallagher, Joey Parker, Ethan Shapley, Teagyn Demuth, Blayne Sutton, and Bo Brown. Additionally, Noah Eddy recorded a key pass breakup downfield, and Collin Howe came up big by recovering a fumble for the Norwich defense.

Norwich looks to bounce back against Chenango Valley on the road on Thursday night.