Greenfield-Central’s Dallas Freeman, shown here in a game against Mt. Vernon, became the school’s all-time passing leader in Friday’s 49-6 victory at Shelbyville.
Tom Russo | Daily Reporter
SHELBYVILLE — A touchdown on the opening series, followed by an onside kick recovery and another touchdown, put Class 4A No. 4 Greenfield-Central in control from the outset in a 49-6 Hoosier Heritage Conference victory at Shelbyville Friday.
With lightning in the distance, the game was called with just three minutes remaining.
Greenfield-Central senior quarterback Dallas Freeman completed passes to six different receivers and became the program’s all-time leader in passing yards.
Freeman was 17-for-23 for 283 yards. He threw four passing touchdowns and rushed for two others. He has 3,023 passing yards for his career.
“Dallas is a fantastic player and he’s going to continue to be a great player for us and is going to be a a very good collegiate player at the next level,” Greenfield-Central coach Travis Nolting said. “I can’t say enough about him, but a testament to the record and the stats are our offensive line and skill guys. They have helped him accomplish that. The credit goes to the whole team, proud of all of them.”
The first of the four TD strikes came on the opening series to running back Cooper Hinton. Following the recovery of the onside kick, fullback Braylen Benavente scored to give G-C a 14-0 lead with 6:36 remaining in the first quarter.
Payton Foley had a touchdown reception late in the quarter and Freeman had a touchdown run early in the second to put the Cougars up 28-0 with 8:47 to go until halftime. G-C lead 35-6 at the break.
Hinton had two receptions, both for touchdowns, and 72 receiving yards. Landon Ford had a receiving touchdown and 61 yards on four receptions. Boston Willard had a team-high five receptions for 69 yards. James Learey had a reception for six yards.
Benavente had 50 rushing yards and one catch.
Foley had a team-best eight tackles, including three for loss. Zach Blevens also had three tackles for loss. Austin Kincer had an interception.
“The kids played really well. We had a few mistakes here and there, but for the most part we came out pretty fired up and really stepped on the gas from the opening kickoff. A great effort all around,” Nolting added. “Defense was on point tonight as well and we made a couple good plays on special teams.”
Greenfield-Central improved to 5-0 and has a showdown next Friday at No. 1 New Palestine. Both teams are unbeaten and tied for the top spot in the HHC.
