Ridgefield Falls In Season Opener

Ridgefield's new-look offense sputtered in the season opener on Friday, as the Tigers managed only a field goal in a 16-3 loss at Greenwich.

The defense kept Ridgefield in the game, surrendering no touchdowns, forcing a safety in the first half and allowing the Tigers to nurse a 3-2 lead at the intermission on Sam Gravitte's 22-yard field goal.

In the second half, Greenwich, which is looking to rebound from an uncharacteristically sub-par 5-5 season, scored its touchdowns on special teams and defense.

Joel Arroyo returned the second-half kickoff 91 yards to put the Cardinals up 9-3. Greenwich then put away the game on Michael  Daly's 82-yard interception return later in the third quarter.

Sophomore Jose Melo started at quarterback for Greenwich, replacing senior starter Liam O'Neill, who sat out the game after suffering a concussion during a preseason scrimmage against Masuk. Melo finished 4-of-17 against the Tigers' strong defense.

Connor Rowe, starting in Ridgefield's new spread offense, completed 20-of-34 passes for 230 yards, but the Tigers committed five turnovers.

Shane Nastahowski paced Greenwich on the ground, rushing for 130 yards on 15 carries.