Greenwood Triumphs Over Lexington in a Defensive Battle
LEXINGTON
— In a tense and defensive showdown on Friday night, the Greenwood Eagles emerged victorious over the Lexington Wildcats with a solid 14-0 win. The game, characterized by a slew of punts and defensive stops, showcased the resilience and tenacity of both teams.
It was a night where punters Noah Perrin from Greenwood and Gavin Kovac from Lexington had their hands full, as both teams traded punts in what seemed like an endless cycle. Finally, as the first half neared its end, the Eagles managed to break through Lexington’s defenses. Quarterback Triston Lewis connected with receiver Landen Still for a 20-yard touchdown pass, breaking the stalemate.
The excitement didn’t stop there. In the fourth quarter, Lewis once again found Still, this time for a 35-yard score, sealing the deal for Greenwood. Head Coach Chris Liner was full of praise for his team’s defensive performance, stating, “A great job for our defense. They played great all year, and we’ve played some really tough defenses ourselves, and we really needed this win.”
The key to Greenwood’s success was undoubtedly their robust defense. The Eagles held Lexington to a mere 75 yards of total offense all night, restricting them to Greenwood territory just once. When the Wildcats did manage to get close, junior AJ Norman swooped in for an interception, adding to the two picks that punctuated Greenwood’s defense. Khamari Griffin also snagged an early interception for the Eagles.
Greenwood’s defensive dominance was evidenced by forcing Lexington into eight punts, including seven three-and-out drives. Lexington had little success on the ground, accumulating -6 yards rushing, while quarterback Brennon Carter threw for 81 yards on 7-for-22 attempts.
Coach Liner emphasized how the team managed to control the game, saying, “We possessed the ball most of the game, and we just kind of found ways to score.” Simplifying the offense allowed Greenwood to run more effectively, providing opportunities for Still, who had never played high school football before this season. Still, widely known for his prowess on the baseball diamond, finished the night with five catches, 56 yards, and two touchdowns. “It’s awesome. Football’s a lot more fun than I expected. I wish I played more throughout high school,” remarked Still.
With this victory, Greenwood (2-1) wraps up its brief non-region schedule on a high note and looks forward to opening region play next Friday against T.L. Hanna at home. Still encapsulated the team’s mood perfectly, saying, “We’re confident. We’re definitely getting better each week. Offense, ready to work. Defense, ready to work. We’re just going to get after it.”
Weather Report
As for Lexington’s game-time conditions, they started with early showers but remained cloudy in the afternoon with a high of 81°F. The wind was blowing ENE at 10 to 15 mph, with a 70% chance of rain. By nighttime, the sky continued to be cloudy, with temperatures dropping to 68°F and winds shifting to NE at the same speed.
In Summary
It was a memorable night for Greenwood fans and players as they showcased a spectacular defensive performance and secured an important win ahead of their upcoming region play. This solid victory, coupled with committed teamwork and strategic simplification of the offense, sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
