Rocco Testani holds as Donnie Fry kicks. | Photo by Collin Herko
CHENANGO VALLEY Warriors: 7
NORWICH Purple Tornado: 22
Norwich fumbles on two consecutive possessions gave Chenango Valley the chance they needed to get on the board first. A series of smashmouth first downs put CV at the 3-yard line where senior Brian Stinson, who led the early Warrior offensive, punched in a touchdown to put CV ahead 7-0 with 1:46 left in the first. Chenango Valley never scored again.
Norwich came back and scored three times in the game, beating last year’s Class B runner-up in front of a home crowd. Although Chenango Valley scored first, this game was a purple haze. Norwich showed off an impressive running game and a fast and sticky defense.
From the press box at Norwich, it was easy to think the bad snaps, limited quarterback protection, lacking running game and most importantly the final score proved that Chenango Valley will not make the playoffs this year. That’s what some might think.
The thought crossed my mind, with the very competitive Div. III, I felt CV had to win this game to have an chance at the postseason. Maybe they did. However my thoughts changed.
I thought about last season’s embarrassing loss to Norwich – during basketball season. The Warriors lost to Norwich 80-71 even after having a 17 point fourth quarter lead. Norwich scored 36 points in the fourth quarter, hitting five three-pointers to crush CV at home right before the Stop-DWI Holiday Classic. After that loss, the team revamped their defense and strategy, won the Stop-DWI tournament, lost only two games, and finished the season in the state Final Four in Glens Falls. CV can always come back.
Then I got the news that Waverly pounded Windsor 31-7. Even better news.
High school football is unpredictable, and if other teams think a 1-2 start means dark days for Chenango Valley – let them think it. It’s all about momentum and Chenango Valley has just started divisional play. Next week CV hosts Elmira Southside for Homecoming – always a spirit booster for the Warriors and after that, Windsor.
Only time will tell who makes the playoffs, but this season might be the most competitive in recent years.
Video highlights to come…
GO WARRIORS
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