Greenfield Football Team Finds Itself in Rare Position

It has been eight years since the football team has defeated the rival Greendale Panthers.

It has been even longer since the Hawks have played in a game with conference-title implications this late in the season.

Should the Hawks, winners of five of their last seven games dating back to last season, accomplish the former at 7 p.m. Friday at home, they’ll pull themselves into a first-place tie with the Panthers with just three games remaining.

“I’m exited for the kids that this late in the year they are playing in a game with this much significance,” Greenfield coach Scott Otto said. “It’s been a long time.”

Be sure to check out our photo galleries from the Greenfield-Greendale and Whitnall-New Berlin Eisenhower games Friday night.

The teams have played every year since 1961. The Hawks got the better of the Panthers in both 2002 and 2003, but since then, the pendulum has shifted to, and stayed, with Greendale, including a 35-0 Panthers win at Greenfield last fall.

“It’s two disciplined, hard-nosed teams that aren’t afraid to mix it up, and I’m glad it’s at our place,” Otto said “Last year, if we played them 10 times, we’d lose 10 times. This year, we’re still chasing the giant. Greendale is at the top of the list. We’re trying to get to the top of the list. For us to get to the top of the mountain, you have to knock somebody off.

“Their kids are used to winning and we’re trying to get there.”

The Panthers come into the showdown 4-0 in the Woodland Black Division, one game ahead of both Greenfield and Whitnall, both of whom are 3-2 overall.

Greendale coach Rob Stoltz said his team's defensive unit is prepared to face the Hawks' wishbone offense.

"We have made plays and had stops when we've needed them (against the run)," Stoltz said. "As always, execution on offense versus execution on defense, on both sides of the ball (will determine the outcome)."

Greendale is led by senior quarterback Sam Brick, who has passed for 590 yards and rushed for 177 with 12 total touchdowns through five games. Running back Mike Scheidt is averaging 8.4 yards per carry with 581 yards and five TDs.

“It’s a misnomer, to call them pass-happy, because they will throw it a lot but they like to run the football too,” Otto said. “(Brick) makes good decisions and is a load to bring down.”

Falcons still in the title hunt, too

The will need a win at New Berlin Eisenhower at 7 p.m. Friday to remain in the thick of the Woodland Black hunt.

Currently tied with the Hawks for second place and one game behind undefeated Greendale, the Falcons had their last Friday.

The Falcons defeated Eisenhower (3-2, 2-2), 22-17, last fall.