Friday Night Lights: Greenwich Football Opens 2025 Season with a Big Win
Photograph by: Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media
There’s nothing quite like a September night at Cardinal Stadium. The stands were packed, the student section was loud, and the energy was electric as Greenwich football — the defending Class LL champions — took the field for their highly anticipated 2025 season opener. Facing off against No. 8 Fairfield Prep, the Cardinals didn’t just show up, they put on a show, delivering a convincing 31–14 victory in front of a hometown crowd.
The spotlight was firmly on sophomore quarterback Phil Tarantino, making his first start for the Cardinals. If there were nerves, they didn’t last long. Tarantino settled in quickly, throwing for 171 yards and three touchdowns, two of which went to senior receiver Hudson Squires. His calm leadership and ability to execute the game plan set the tone for the night. “Once we scored that first touchdown, I knew it was going to be a good game,” Tarantino said after the win.
Greenwich wasted no time building momentum. Tarantino connected with Squires for a 26-yard touchdown and later found Michael Golden for another score, giving the Cardinals an early 14–0 lead. Fairfield Prep cut the deficit with a touchdown run from Vincent Lombardo, but Greenwich answered before halftime when Jack Kelly powered into the end zone from three yards out out of the wildcat formation, putting the Cards up 21–7 at the break.
Fairfield Prep struck first in the second half, but Greenwich responded with its most impressive drive of the game — an 80-yard march capped by Tarantino’s 33-yard strike to Squires. Kicker Michael Galano put the finishing touches on the win with a 36-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
The night wasn’t just about offense. Greenwich’s defense turned in a dominant performance, consistently pressuring Fairfield Prep quarterback Robbie Manning, who had thrown for over 2,500 yards last season. Linebackers Justin Carroll, Santi Parra, and Jack Kelly disrupted plays in the backfield all night, while senior running back Hector Lopezcontrolled the ground game with 131 rushing yards on 26 carries.
Head coach Anthony Morello was quick to praise his young quarterback’s composure:
“Phil’s got a lot of guts. I’ve known him since he was a kid in our youth league, and he’s level-headed — no highs or lows. That’s exactly what you want from your quarterback.”
This win was more than just a strong start to the season. It marked Greenwich’s third straight victory over Fairfield Prep, adding to a growing rivalry that has seen the Cardinals dominate with a 6–1 record against the Jesuits since 2006.
For the community, Friday night was a celebration of everything that makes Greenwich football special — the tradition, the talent, and the support that fills the stands year after year. The student section’s chants of “He’s a sophomore!” echoed throughout the stadium, signaling excitement about the team’s future under Tarantino’s leadership.
With a balanced attack, a tenacious defense, and a confident young quarterback, Greenwich looks poised to make another deep run this season. And if opening night was any indication, Cardinal Stadium will be the place to be on Friday nights this fall.
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