The Time Out Touchdown

 

Greenwich beat Stamford last night 47-21.

To say the score doesn't tell the full story is an understatement. The Stamford Black Knights -- in their first playoff game since 1995 -- came ready to play, returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown.

To the credit of the Greenwich Cardinals, they immediately responded with a touchdown to tie it up before taking a 14-7 lead.

But the Black Knights were up for the challenge and put a touchdown on the board to cut the deficit to one.

Greenwich hit for a long pass to make it 21-13. We'll come back to that.

Then, before halftime, the Black Knights scored again and tacked on a two-point conversion. 

The teams went to the locker room tied at 21.

Greenwich head coach Tony Morello put the game in the hands of his captains at the break. On their first play from scrimmage in the second half, the Cardinals struck for an 80-yard touchdown.

Suddenly, Greenwich began looking like the team that had been number one in the state.

Quarterback Rocco Grillo threw for 348 yards and three touchdowns. Ian Kim ran for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Noah Park -- a sophomore! -- had three catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for one. Grillo ran for a touchdown as well.

Gavyn Gennarelli -- an outstanding receiver -- also caught a touchdown. In fact, he had seven catches for 130 yards. Let's spend a little more time on that touchdown though.

First, let me mention that many high school stadiums have microphones around for a game. If you sit anywhere near a press box, you risk being heard.

Natural sound microphones can be on cameras hanging in the stadium or there could be a radio broadcaster with a microphone sticking out of a window.

That's me. Hi.

I've heard so much over the years through the crowd mic. Too much, if we're being honest, and I'm sure you know what I mean.

So I beg of all, proceed with caution.

I suppose another public service announcement would be to remind fans that players, coaches, and officials won't change the game based on things being yelled out from the stands. In short, you don't want to make yourself a part of the game.

And so it was that Greenwich was going the wrong way in the second quarter. Of course, I understand fans being frustrated as they get backed up, including a delay of game penalty to create a third-and-27 scenario back at the Stamford 45-yard line.

So, yes, frustration was building as Greenwich only led 14-13 at that point. Of course, when your team is the defending state champions, you have an expectation. I get all of that.

To that end, fans felt the Cardinals -- specifically Coach Morello -- should spend one of their three time outs. Alas, they did not.

And so it was third-and-27.

"Talked about Greenwich can't be Greenwich," Chris Erway said.

"And they have all three time outs," I said. "Five twenty remaining in the first half."

And then? From the crowd, I heard this:

"USE YOUR TIME OUTS!"

I'm not sure if Coach Morello heard it. I'm not sure who else did. But we could hear it clearly on the broadcast through the aforementioned crowd microphone.

Our broadcasts have often been interactive. So long as Chris and I can do our jobs we are able to have some fun with fans. The person in the crowd expressing his displeasure regarding the time out stayed clear in my mind as Greenwich lined up for their next play.

"Third and 27," I said. "Grillo ... slings it...right side! Got a man wide open who makes the catch! Sideline! Touchdown!"

And then?

"How's that for not using your time out?!"

It took a moment to catch the number of the receiver. In fact, public address announcer Nick Fesko initially thought it was Jake Stefanowicz but I had the luxury of being able to look through a monocular to find it was, indeed, Gennarelli.

Chris thought the whole thing was pretty funny. So did a few people who reached out to me on social media and via text.

Chris wanted it preserved. So, I cut it out of the broadcast last night and have uploaded it here.

"The Time Out Touchdown" has been born.

It is posted with all good humor and respect.

The Cardinals now head to a state semifinal where they'll host West Haven Sunday at 12:30.

Chris and I will be on hand for the call on WGCH.

And the crowd mic will be in the window.

You have been warned.