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Greenwich Grabs Huge win Over Central

There is still reason to believe in Cardinal Nation. The pooch onside kick Greenwich's Jim Barrett recovered late in the third quarter after scoring a crucial touchdown against Bridgeport Central changed the momentum of Saturday's game and perhaps the Cardinals' entire season. After last week's crushing defeat to Trumbull, Greenwich's playoff hopes are suddenly alive after winning their homecoming game, 34-23.

"Ever since the loss to Trumbull, we've just been working hard in practice, trying to get our swagger back," Greenwich running back Shane Nastahowski said. "We know when we have to score during those big situations. We really hype each other up, and it paid off today."

The Greenwich's grinding run game came up huge as the tandem of Nastahowski and Mark Kelley scored two touchdowns each. Bridgeport Central made use of its weapon: running back Shabashe McIntosh, who exploded for an 82-yard touchdown. The Hilltoppers quarterback added his own 85-yard touchdown dash to cut the Cardinals lead to two.

Kelley's second touchdown was a crucial one, breaking free of three defenders and rumbling 50 yards to score. It put Greenwich up 24-15, but head coach Rich Albonizo knew it was time for his team to make a statement. He called the pooch onside kick, which Oliver Ostrowski executed perfectly. Barrett recovered, and it sapped the Hilltoppers. Nastahowski complimented Kelley's speedy, long distance scores with tough, workhorse touchdowns over short yardage.

"This game is a season changer for us," Albonizo said. "We still have a shot of squeaking into the playoffs now. We're proud of our kids from where we were to where we are now."

Greenwich still has a lot to do to make the playoffs, but Saturday's win is a huge help. Greenwich (4-2) is ranked 14th in Class LL. The top eight teams make the playoffs.

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