NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Top-ranked Greenwich defended a 2006 Class LL state title, coming up with nothing short of a second consecutive championship victory.

Two powerhouses -- the Greenwich Cardinals and the Shelton Gaels -- met on Saturday at Southern Connecticut State University's Jess Dow Field.

The Cardinals' victory wasn't a sure-win, however, as the No. 2 Gaels came out big. Senior Andre Henderson scored on Shelton's first drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, and senior Geoff Schultz scored the game's second touchdown, putting the Gaels up 14-0.

Greenwich answered later when junior Ricky Riscica scored a 44-yard touchdown to begin eating away at Shelton's lead, 14-7, a score that would stand through the half.

"They were out-coaching us, they were outplaying us, they were more physical than us, and we had to get that back, Greenwich head coach Rich Albonizo said. "The only way you can do that is running the football."

The opening kickoff of the second half delivered a huge play when senior Jimmy Dunster broke free to score a 79-yard touchdown and tie the game at 14.

On the next Greenwich drive, the Cardinals went to Dunster again, and again, and again, which would ultimately lead to a 21-14 score and the Greenwich lead for the first time in the game.

Dunster added another touchdown in the fourth quarter for 28 unanswered points.

"It's something, but you know, I couldn't have done it without the line blocking for me," Dunster said. "(It was) all the seniors and all the juniors playing their heart out for all the seniors."

Greenwich took care of Shelton to capture its seventh state title, 28-14. Greenwich and Bloomfield have each won seven state titles.

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