Greenfield football delivered a statement on Friday night, knocking off rival Greendale 23–7 to move to 5–1 and secure the program's first win over the Panthers since 2015.
The Hawks set the tone with big-play offense and a swarming defense that surrendered just one score. Junior QB Luke O'Brien was efficient and fearless, finishing 9-of-14 for 165 yards and 2 TDs and adding 42 rushing yards plus a successful two-point conversion. Senior playmaker Brayden Ziarek ignited the crowd with 4 receptions for 81 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown, while Ian Litchford added a 32-yard TD catch. On the ground, Jose Garcia paced the backfield with 17 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown.
Greenfield's defense hammered away all night. Zach Safka led the charge with 8.5 tackles, 1.0 sack and 1.0 TFL, while Keegan Brylow (7.0), Nolan Kranich (4.5, 1.0 TFL) and Nate Teicher (4.5, 1.0 TFL) clogged lanes and finished plays. Brody Jens flipped momentum with two interceptions (23 return yards), and Dylan Alba forced a fumble as the Hawks repeatedly turned Greendale away.
Special teams did their part, too—Ziarek averaged 42.7 yards on three punts (128 total), Teicher posted two punt returns for 30 yards, and Patrick Morgese knocked through a PAT.
Box Score Highlights
Final: Greenfield 23, Greendale 7
Passing: Luke O'Brien 9/14, 165 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: Jose Garcia 17–57–1; Luke O'Brien 14–42
Receiving: Brayden Ziarek 4–81–1 (long 65); Ian Litchford 1–32–1; Bennett Bradley 2–37; Gavin StJohn 2–15
Defense: Safka 8.5 tkls, 1.0 sack, 1.0 TFL; Brylow 7.0 tkls; Kranich 4.5 tkls, 1.0 TFL; Teicher 4.5 tkls, 1.0 TFL; Alba 3.5 tkls, 2.0 TFL, FF; Jens 3.5 tkls, 2 INT
Special Teams: Ziarek 3 punts, 128 yds (42.7 avg); Teicher 2 PR, 30 yds; Morgese 1/2 PAT; O'Brien 1 successful 2-pt
Why It Matters
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Rivalry breakthrough: First win over Greendale since 2015.
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Complementary football: Explosive plays on offense, takeaways on defense, field-position edge on special teams.
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Momentum builder: Hawks improve to 5–1 with confidence and control heading into the stretch run.
The streak is over—and the Hawks are rolling. Go Greenfield!