PREP FOOTBALL: Greenland too Stout for Charleston

GREENLAND -- Hayden Stout scored four touchdowns, and Greenland's defense was even stouter during a 25-12 win against Charleston on Friday night.

Opening 3A-1 Conference play with a victory against Charleston (2-2, 0-1), a team the Pirates (2-2, 1-0) have not defeated during Lee Larkan's 18 years at the school, had the coach leading a postgame dance party with a group of jubilant players as Kool & The Gang's "Celebration" blasted throughout the field house.

GREENLAND 25, CHARLESTON 12

Charleston 2 0 10 0 – 12

Greenland 6 0 7 12 – 25

First Quarter

Green – Stout 65 run (kick failed), 8:24.

Charl – Safety, 1:08.

Third Quarter

Charl – Ross 33 pass from Caudle (Taggart kick), 11:53.

Charl – FG Taggert 27 FG, 6:57.

Green – Stout 9 run (Gallemore kick), 1:30.

Fourth Quarter

Green – Stout 10 run (kick failed), 2:26.

Green – Stout 4 run (kick failed), :42.

"That's what we do after every game. Every win is precious," Larkan said. "I want to have fun. It's a chance to relax and enjoy this because it's good to be 1-0. But I can only enjoy it for about an hour before we start thinking about the next one."

Stout, a senior, fought off a couple of defenders before breaking free for a 65-yard touchdown run to give Greenland a 6-0 lead with 8 minutes, 24 seconds remaining in the first quarter. He scored three more times in the second half, including twice in the final 2:26.

Stout's running and two huge plays by junior Zach Gilbert sealed the victory. On a fourth-down pass that was thrown well behind him, Gilbert stretched out as he dove backward to haul in a 15-yard grab. That set up Stout's third touchdown. The fourth was set up when Gilbert intercepted Charleston quarterback Brayden Caudle's pass.

Relentless pressure on the 250-pound Caudle was the difference. On the interception, Caudle was crushed by Larry Williams as he released the ball. Other Greenland defensive linemen who shined were Corby Wright and Gabe Wilson, who combined for multiple sacks.

"We knew we had to put pressure on (Caudle). That was the whole game plan all week," Larkan said. "Their receivers are so good at getting open and the quarterback is so good at throwing the football that they would have just picked us apart.

"Our defense, that's the best we've played all year. They were physical. Hands down, that's what won it for us tonight."

After allowing 25 yards on a pair of quick passes for first downs to open the game, Greenland's defense quickly adjusted and took over the rest of the way. Charleston managed 73 yards the rest of the half and that was offset by the Tigers being assessed eight penalties for 85 yards, with five of those coming against the offense.

Charleston's lone touchdown came one play after it recovered an onside kick to open the second half when Caudle hit Brayden Ross on an out-and-up pattern for a 33-yard touchdown pass. The Tigers' other scores came on a field goal and a safety.

Sports on 09/22/2018

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