Adin Greenfield scores career-high four touchdowns for Miller Place
Miller Place running back Adin Greenfield breaks the tackle attempt by Westhampton defender Evan Gagne. (Oct. 20, 2012) Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
His parents are usually in the stands to see him play, but this was Senior Day and Miller Place running back Adin Greenfield wanted to make it special for his entire family, which included siblings and other relatives.
Greenfield made it a highlight film, scoring a career-high four touchdowns and rushing for 219 yards in a 34-0 victory over Westhampton yesterday that clinched a playoff berth for Miller Place in Suffolk III. "I've been looking forward to this day," Greenfield said. "Miller Place, going Green."
Jonathan Greenfield enjoyed watching his son's big game. "He doesn't get it from me," the father said laughing.
Georgette, Adin's mom, said, "It's me! I ran track."
It was indeed Green Day, as tight end Alex Greenidge accounted for the host team's other touchdown.
Greenfield was converted to the backfield this year after playing his first two varsity seasons as a slot receiver. "He's terrific," said Greenidge, whose TD came on a 1-yard run in the second quarter. "Explosive, fast, it's great to have him in the backfield. He creates points, yards, whatever you need."
Coach Ron Petrie did not have to coax Greenfield into changing positions. "I loved making the switch," the 5-10, 165-pound player said. "I was a receiver last year, you get limited touches, there's lot more touches at running back, so I was all for it."
Petrie said, "We know he has good hands and good speed, we felt he would add a different dynamic having him in the backfield. We knew that people would be keying on Brett [Osman]. Having two guys that can take the ball and do a lot of stuff with it is a nice option to have."
Osman, who rushed for 167 yards, said, "Adin's great. Hand it up the middle to me, all of a sudden, give it outside to Adin, he'll take it for 20 yards. Speed, he's got speed. He's got some legs."
Greenfield scored in each quarter on runs of three, six, eight and nine yards. Miller Place (6-1) led 21-0 at halftime.
Westhampton (4-3) received a jolt in the first quarter when junior tackle Kayne Mitchell fell to the ground with an injury to his left leg and had to be taken by ambulance to St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson. Reached last night, Westhampton coach Bill Parry said the player has sustained a broken leg and would require surgery.
Westhampton had possession on the Panthers' 6-yard line after consecutive pass interference calls with no time on the clock in the second quarter, but was stopped on its final running play.
The win was important for Miller Place. "This was huge," Greenfield said. "We had to get our confidence back, get our swagger back I think we did that today."
Miller Place trails only Sayville in the standings. "It's never OK to be second," Petrie said. "Our focus is on us improving every week. We do what we need to do [and[ we'll get our shot at them again."
