Shark Spark: Greenwood Leads LIU to 31-7 Victory Over Stonehill
LIU (Long Island University) might have just found its spark in sophomore quarterback Ethan Greenwood, whose dynamic play helped lead the Sharks to their first victory of the season with a commanding 31-7 win over Stonehill. In his first career start, Greenwood rushed for 184 yards and a touchdown, while adding another score through the air, giving the Sharks a new offensive identity just in time for a pivotal NEC matchup next week against Robert Morris.
Greenwood’s impact was immediate, as he led the Sharks on a four-play, 40-yard drive, capping it with a 32-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter to open the scoring. Though Stonehill responded quickly, tying the game 7-7 with a 66-yard touchdown strike from Jack O’Connell (also making his first career start) to Chase Miller, the Skyhawks struggled to gain any offensive momentum the rest of the afternoon. Stonehill, known for their rushing attack, was held to a season-low 23 yards on the ground, as LIU’s defense took control.
The Sharks, meanwhile, dominated both sides of the ball. Greenwood’s athleticism, especially in the ground game, gave the LIU offense a jolt of life. Despite completing just three of 12 passes, Greenwood’s ability to move the chains with his legs kept Stonehill on the back foot, as LIU racked up 353 rushing yards. Senior Pat Bowen added 67 yards and a touchdown, while postgrad Jared Lewis chipped in with a fourth-quarter score to cap a near-flawless performance from the Sharks.
LIU’s defense also shone, holding Stonehill to just 135 total yards and forcing three turnovers. DQ Watkins was a standout, collecting 1.5 sacks, forcing a fumble, recovering another, and adding an interception in a dominant all-around display. The Sharks’ defense allowed only nine first downs, stifling Stonehill’s attempts to get anything going offensively.
Greenwood’s emergence could be a revelation for an LIU team that has struggled offensively for much of the season. His ability to extend plays and convert on critical downs was pivotal in maintaining possession, as LIU held the ball for nearly 42 minutes—more than double Stonehill’s time of possession. Greenwood’s potential gives the Sharks a real shot to build momentum as they head into a crucial NEC showdown against RMU, who are coming off a 23-0 Homecoming victory over Delaware State.
For Stonehill, the loss dropped them to 1-4 on the season and 0-2 in NEC play, as they struggled to find answers on both sides of the ball. O’Connell, making his first career start at quarterback, flashed some potential with his 66-yard touchdown pass, but the Skyhawks couldn't sustain drives. Their top-ranked rushing offense was neutralized, and turnovers compounded their struggles. With a tough non-conference game at Merrimack up next, the Skyhawks will need to regroup quickly.
The focus now shifts to LIU’s upcoming game at RMU, where the Sharks will look to keep their newfound momentum rolling. Greenwood’s breakout performance has added a fresh dynamic to the LIU offense, and the matchup with RMU, who boast a strong defense, promises to be a pivotal moment in the NEC season.
