H.S. football: Amherst runs past Greenfield for second straight win

AMHERST — Jonathan Aviles-Roman got his opportunity for the Amherst football team on Thursday night. Aviles-Roman responded with the best game of his high school career in a 28-0 win over Greenfield at wet and humid Community Field.

The junior running back rushed for 122 yards on 12 carries with three touchdowns.

“I felt really nervous but once I got in there, I just took one for my team,” Aviles-Roman said. “Made sure we were all set and took this dub.”

Aviles-Roman opened the scoring on a 30-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter. A 58-yard rush in the second quarter set up a 2-yard touchdown.

“When I hit the outside, I saw the open,” Aviles-Roman said. “I Just took that. I just need to show up and be there for my team.”

Running back Brady Klaes missed the game with a lower body injury. Klaes’ status for return is still undetermined. The play of Aviles-Roman was not a surprise for the Hurricanes.

“It’s expected,” Amherst coach Jack Putala said. “He has a lot to work on, but he has a desire to compete. He runs hard. Tries to do things the right way. I am proud of him, but it’s completely expected.”

Meanwhile the Hurricanes’ defense completely stifled the Green Wave offense. Greenfield managed just two first downs on the night. Allan Alfandari had two sacks for the Amherst defense. Yousof Elfawal and Wyatt Cook also had sacks for the Hurricanes.

“We sealed the gaps and sealed the outside,” Alfandari said. “Came back in the second half and kept getting them back. We just have to keep doing our responsibilities.”

Greenfield’s lone highlight came on a 43-yard kickoff return by Kymel Ramsey. Aviles-Roman scored again in the third quarter on a 3-yard touchdown. Coy Dane returned a punt 54 yards before fumbling forward toward the Greenfield end zone. Landen Wood jumped on the football, allowing Amherst to retain possession at the 3-yard line.

Later in the third quarter, Jackson Bajnoci found Coy for a 13-yard reception down to the Greenfield 2-yard line. Coy scored on a jet sweep for the Hurricanes. Amherst got possession at the Greenfield 16-yard line after a failed fake punt by Greenfield.

Greenfield, now 1-1, is looking for answers after being blanked. Xavier Woodard recovered a fumble for the Green Wave.

“We’ll figure it out,” Greenfield coach Jeff Bengtson said. “Either we will or we won’t. Need some upperclassmen to step up and be leaders.”

Coy went 4-for-4 kicking extra points for the Hurricanes.