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GREENWICH, Conn. Despite an impressive and wild first half of football, Greenwich High School couldnt match New London on Friday night, as the Whalers topped the Cardinals, 51-33.
New Londons powerhouse running back, senior Kyle McKinnon, rushed for a whopping 236 yards on 28 carries, averaging 8.4 yards a carry and scoring three touchdowns.
It was a matchup of two of the most successful football programs in state history, and the first time the two have met. Greenwich has made 15 state championship appearances with seven wins. New London has made 11 appearances in the state title game, with five championships to its name.
New London struck early with a 51-yard touchdown pass from Robert Key to Brendan McNeil. Greenwich answered quickly, marching nearly the length of the field. The Cardinals capped the drive with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Jose Melo to Shane Nastahowski.
Each team moved the ball at will in the first half. Alex McMurray scored on a 6-yard run for Greenwich, and Dan Claroni scored on a 13-yard run. McKinnon had runs of 11 and 68 yards for touchdowns, and Key and Khaleed Fields hooked up on a 30-yard touchdown.
Greenwichs Ryan Kelly capped the furious first half scoring with a 105-yard interception return for a touchdown. The run for the PAT failed, but the Cardinals had a 26-25 halftime lead.
It didnt last. Doug Hentons 45-yard interception return put New London up for good. McKinnon scored on a 25-yard run, and Key hit Javon Elmore for a 14-yard touchdown. Elmore also returned an interception 34 yards for a score. Chris Daly scored Greenwichs final touchdown on a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter.
Nastahowski rushed for 100 yards on 15 carries for Greenwich. Key had a big game for New London, finishing 17-for-32 with three touchdowns. Melo filled in again for injured starting quarterback Liam O'Neil, who is slowly recovering from a concussion.
Greenwich (2-1) travels to Trumbull (2-0) on Thursday for a 6 p.m. game.
Get all the details for Week 3 in Fairfield County high school football in the latest episode of "FCIAC Football Fast Five."
To reach Anna Helhoski, email ahelhoski@thedailygreenwich.com. Follow TheDailyGreenwich.com on Facebook and Twitter!
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