Contributing writer
Even though Norwich was able to accumulate 609 yards of offense Friday, the Bluebirds managed to stay within one touchdown. The Bluebirds totaled 407 yards of offense, the most of this season, with 149 yards passing and 258 yards rushing. In this non-district game, Goessel was defeated by Norwich 56-48.
The Bluebirds trailed 16-14 at the end of one period, but Norwich jumped to a 42-22 lead by halftime. Each team scored six points in the third period. The Bluebirds began to click in the final stanza, crossing the goal line twice to get within one touchdown.
Norwich then scored 8 points to regain a two-touchdown lead. Goessel was able to cut the deficit with another score late in the game to finish with 48 points, eight points shy of the Eagles.
Defensively, Mark Schmidt is credited with 14 solo tackles and Brian Hiebert accumulated 12 tackles with four of those in the Eagle backfield. Chase Flaming, Kellen Froese and Trevor Beisel each had seven tackles. Flaming connected with Zach Showalter on five passes for 140 yards in the air. Flaming also ran for 127 yards, with Miguel Guerrerro gaining 106 yards on the ground and Froese 25 yards.
Goessel will finish the regular season with three district games. Friday they will be at Chase (1-3 in district) for an important district game. The Bluebirds are now 2-4 overall and 2-1 in district competition.