Greenwich certainly set the tone early in its season-opening showdown against host West Haven in a Connecticut High School Football Alliance game on Friday night.

The Cardinals scored on their first two possessions to take an early 14-point lead and never looked back against the team that eliminated them from the CIAC Class LL Tournament one season ago.

In his first varsity start at quarterback, senior M.J. D’Angelo threw a touchdown pass and ran for a score, propelling Greenwich to a decisive 24-6 victory over West Haven in the season-opener for both teams.

Displaying his mobility and elusiveness, D’Angelo rushed for 129 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries to power the Cardinals’ running game. He only threw seven passes, but was highly effective, with five completions for 62 yards and a touchdown.

Indeed, this is a new-look Greenwich team since graduation claimed most of the starting athletes from last season’s successful squad that advanced to the CIAC Class LL Tournament semifinals and finished with a record of 10-2.

“It was a knock-down-drag-out game,” Greenwich coach Anthony Morello said. “Graduating nine starters on offense and defense allowed our team to have an element of surprise about us, especially offensively.”

Morello was impressed with the performance D’Angelo put forth at quarterback. The Cardinals signal caller showed poise throughout the physical matchup.

“We haven’t had a quarterback with MJ’s skill set in quite some time,” Morello said.

“We spent a great deal of time installing some new formations this offseason and tonight was the first time we unveiled them,” Morello continued.

Greenwich which was defeated by West Haven, 26-13, in the 2024 Class LL semifinals, led the host team, 14-0 after the first quarter and held a 17-0 advantage after three quarters of action. The Cardinals defense was outstanding throughout against West Haven’s offense, which has a lot of potential.

“Our defense was tuned up,” Morello said. “There was great open field tackling by the secondary. Our inside linebackers had big shoes to fill and they were all over the field. For all the athletes taking their first varsity reps I thought we were very sound defensively.”

Junior linebacker Jack Kelly helped lead Greenwich’s defensive effort, registering 10 tackles for the game. Junior linebacker Santi Parra also totaled 10 tackles, while senior safety Jack Carroll recorded nine tackles for the Cards (1-0).

Crosby Newi, a senior linebacker, made eight tackles, as did senior linebacker Chase Inesta for GHS, which shutout West Haven for three quarters. Justin Carroll, a sophomore linebacker, had six tackles, while senior Max Marek made five tackles for the victors. Also, Justin Carroll recorded a sack.

On offense, junior Hector Lopez helped pace the Cardinals’ ground game, gaining 69 yards on 19 carries with one touchdown.

Behind its strong offensive line, ran the ball 33 times for 198 yards against the Westies. Senior center Peter Vomvolakis anchors the Cardinals’ formidable offensive line. Vomvolakis has committed to play football at the United States Naval Academy.

“The key to the game was to tire their guys up front,” Morello noted. “(Kadear) Dembele might be the best defensive end I’ve ever scouted or coached against. He was good as advertised and even when we double-teamed him, he still found ways to be involved. We felt that if we came at them for four quarters, we could wear them down. I was particularly pleased with the way M.J. (D’Angelo) managed the team and demonstrated poise during our 8-minute, 30-second drive to start the second half.”

Greenwich reached the end zone on its first possession. Dropping back to pass, D’Angelo threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Matthew O’Donnell on the game’s fifth play from scrimmage.

Senior Julian Ravina converted the PAT and the Cardinals quickly held a 7-0 lead on the Westies. The Cards added on to their advantage thanks to heads-up special teams play.

Kelly pounced on a fumble on the ensuing kickoff, setting Greenwich up in the Red Zone. Showing his athleticism, D’Angelo scored on a 23-yard run several plays later, putting GHS two scores ahead. Ravina kicked the extra point, making it 14-0 less than midway through the opening quarter.

Ravina continued his fine kicking game, booting a 31-yard field goal in the third quarter, extending Greenwich’s advantage to 17-0.

Lopez reached the end zone on a 16-yard run in the fourth quarter, sealing Greenwich’s scoring.

“I was more than satisfied with this team’s focus and effort,” Morello said. “I asked for four quarters of relentless effort and the team checked that box in all facets of the game. Week 1 is still only just that, and we still made mistakes and have a ways to go, but I couldn’t be happier with the effort.”

West Haven’s touchdown came in the fourth quarter. Nick Conlan threw a 54-yard touchdown pass to Coryon Harris for the Westies’ score.

For Greenwich, Lopez had two receptions for 24 yards, senior wide receiver Blake Martin caught two passes and O’Donnell had the 32-yard touchdown catch.

Also sparking the Cards was the overall play of the special teams.

“I was very impressed by coach (John) Woodring’s special teams,” Morello said. “We had a 69-yard punt, an onside recovery, perfect from PATs and a field goal.”

The Cardinals’ senior captains are Jack Carroll, D’Angelo, Max Marek and Peter Vomvolakis.

Greenwich stays on the road for its Week 2 game. The Cardinals will visit Stamford High School Saturday for a 12 p.m. FCIAC matchup.

“We had complimentary, unselfish, team football,” Morello said.