GREENE – Three touchdowns, resulting in a 21-0 score after just the first quarter of play and the Greene Trojans varsity football team simply demolished any and all existence of Moravia this past Friday night.
Not only did Greene score 21 first quarter points, but Justin Carmen began the massacre with the first play from scrimmage – when the Trojan back scurried for a 64-yard touchdown. Greene amassed and amazing 191 rushing yards in just the opening quarter.
“We got off to a great start. We scored on the first play from scrimmage, a 64-yard touchdown. We just scored 21 quick points in the first quarter. We had over 180 yards rushing in the first quarter. Our defense was outstanding getting to the ball,” said Greene head coach Dave Gorton. “It was one of those nights where we just had people step up and make huge plays all over the field.”
Scoring in the opening quarter was Coy Austin – who sped his way to a 73-yard touchdown run. Carmen added his second rushing touchdown of the game to finish out the quarter with a nine-yard dive to the end zone.
Stepping up on the special teams and defense was Mitchell Walters, who hit a 23-yard field goal to open up the second quarter – followed by a 56-yard interception return – all while converting four of five point after attempts in the game.
At the half, Greene’s mighty squad stood high in front of their home crowd – up over Moravia at 37-0.
“Cade Niemi, our junior nose guard was excellent, he was in the backfield forcing fumbles and wreaking havoc back there all night. Their offense was very frustrated by his penetration,” said coach Gorton.
The 44-0 win over Moravia marks the second time in 2017 – four games played – that Greene has gathered up five takeaways in a game.
Nate Erickson added a 37-yard run to cap off the prolific first half of scoring. The lone score in the second half of play came off a three yard Tristan Austin run in the final quarter.
Next up for Greene football (2-2 overall, 0-1 division) they will be matched with a much worthier opponent in previously ranked 10th in NYS Harpursville-Afton.
“They were ranked 10th before last night (lost to third-ranked Sidney at 42-19) and we know how good they are. They have a good program, this will be a big weekend for them. I know they have circled us on the calendar for weeks, looking forward to getting that rematch from last year. We have to be ready to play physically,” said coach Gorton. “We played once last year, we (Greene) shut them out and it was their first loss of the year, to win the division on our homecoming.
Greene will be on the road, heading to Harpursville on Saturday, September 30, at 1:30 p.m. for a potential defining moment in the Trojan season – with the game having major playoff implications.
