NORWICH – The Norwich Cyclones’ “A” team beat Sherman Park of Syracuse 14-13 Sunday at Ulrichs Field to advance in the Empire State Classic Pop Warner tournament.

The Cyclones took the opening drive 73 yards to the Bulldogs’ eight only to fumble the ball away. The Cyclones’ defense stiffened with Nicholas Murphy and Carlos Ithier recovering Bulldogs fumbles inside the 10. Ithier stopped a Sherman Park runner at the one-foot line, in what looked to be a safety.

Tristan Rifanburg reached paydirt on a six-yard TD run, with John Marvin kicking what proved to be the winning two-point conversion at the 7:48 mark of the second stanza.

The Cyclones’ ball-control offense controlled time of possession and kept the ball away from the swift Bulldogs for an 8-0 halftime lead.