Panthers Claw Up The Pirates

The Greendale Panthers put on another offensive show Friday, as they overwhelmed the Pewaukee Pirates with a barrage of their offensive weapons.  This game was thought of by many to be the battle for the Woodland West crown, as both teams have reputations of being football power houses.  While the score seems close, the actual game didn't feel that way, as Greendale was able to move the ball at will by both the run and the pass.  They actually left 2 touchdowns on the field as Panther quarterback Josh Ringelberg had a rare misfire to a wide-open Cody Kmetz and wide-out Mitchell Brees had a rare drop for a sure touchdown towards the end of the game.  If those plays had been made, the score would have been more indicative of how the game really went.  Greendale's defense also turned in another consistent performance as they did what they needed to do to keep the opposing offense out of the end zone as much as possible.

The Pirates knew they would have their hands full as Greendale scored on the second play of the game when Panther running back Jake Zywicki took a pitch around the left side and ran 32-yards untouched to the end zone for Greendale's first score.  After the Panther defense forced the Pirates to punt, they but another scoring drive together as Zywicki took in on the same play only from 34 yards.

The Pirates finally answered back, however, on a 9-yard TD pass play with :51 seconds left in the 1st quarter.  Greendale then came roaring back and scored again as Zywicki crossed the goal line from 6-yards out.  Pewaukee eventually answered back with a 49-yard run keeping the Panthers within reach.  Just before the half, however, Ringelberg hooked up with Kmetz in the end zone on a 3-yard pass to make the score 28-14 at the intermission.

Greendale was able to put up another score on a 17-yard Ringelberg to Brees touchdown toss.  Pewaukee didn't score in the 3rd quarter at all.

The 4th quarter saw a few blown opportunities by the Panthers to really put the game out of reach but instead, Pewaukee came back and scored 2 touchdowns before the clock finally came to an end.

The Pirates (3-1) out gained Greendale (4-0) in totally yards 440 to 367, but the Panthers were more efficient with their yards by virtue of their big plays.  The thing that hurt Pewaukee the most were penalties and only completing 39% of their passes.  Ringelberg complete 61% of his passes to aid in the winning effort.

In the end, Pewaukee had the same problem that the previous teams did with Greendale.  They spread you out and have too many weapons to contend with.  Greendale will now hit the road and head west to New Berlin next week to take on the New Berlin Eisenhower Lions (1-3).  That game is scheduled to start at 7:00pm.

For more information about the entire Greendale football program, go to www.greendalefootball.com.