Naugatuck puts on devastating performance

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Naugatuck’s Jalen Datil (11) picks up yards versus Sacred Heart-Kaynor Tech Nov. 13 in Naugatuck. The Greyhounds won, 44-28. –LUKE MARSHALL
Naugatuck’s Jalen Datil (11) picks up yards versus Sacred Heart-Kaynor Tech Nov. 13 in Naugatuck. The Greyhounds won, 44-28. –LUKE MARSHALL

NAUGATUCK — When players like Antoine Sistrunk, Tyler Deitlebaum and Devan Biancarelli are firing on all cylinders the Greyhounds can be a devastating force. Last Friday versus Sacred Heart-Kaynor Tech, the trio showed just how devastating Naugy can be.

The Greyhounds rolled to a 44-28 win over the Hearts on Veterans Field.

The ‘Hounds (5-4) hit a speed bump the prior week, as they were defeated by Woodland for the George Pinho Memorial Trophy. But Naugy brushed off the loss and appeared to take any pent up frustration out on Sacred Heart-Kaynor Tech (0-9), starting with a dominant first half.

After opening up the game with an 8-yard touchdown run and two-point conversion by Sistrunk, the ‘Hounds didn’t giving the Hearts an opportunity to respond.

Within Naugatuck’s goal line, Deitlebaum made his first of three interceptions of quarterback Trey Dawson to give the Garnett and Grey the ball back. Just three plays later, Naugy found the end zone again, courtesy of a pass from Mike Plasky to Jalen Datil to take a 14-0 lead.

Naugatuck kept up the momentum scoring two more times in the second quarter, punishing the opposition with the run game.

At fullback, Biancarelli found a lane up the middle, broke a couple tackles and sprinted over 30 yards for the score. Sistrunk followed suit and broke away with a 30-yarder of his own, refusing to let the Hearts drag him down until he crossed the goal line, giving the ‘Hounds a sizable 30-7 lead heading into halftime.

“It was a tough win. It took us four quarters to play through,” head coach Craig Bruno said. “I thought the offense played well, they moved the ball, but it was a good win. We’ll take it.”

Defensively, the ‘Hounds played solid football with Deitlebaum and Biancarelli playing crucial roles against Sacred Heart-Kaynor Tech.

No stranger to making a defensive impact, Deitlebaum put on a clinic, grabbing three interceptions, two of which led to touchdown drives, and making several tackles throughout the night.

“I just come [and] try to do my best and help the team out,” Deitlebaum said. “I know we all got to work together and stay strong. Me playing better just helps everyone else around me, opens up other things, and we can get a better win.”

Biancarelli also tallied multiple tackles and grabbed his own interception in the third quarter. After a middle screen was deflected into the air, the junior stepped up and picked off the ball, giving the ‘Hounds another turnover.

According to the junior fullback, the linemen deserve the praise for his performance.

“I can definitely say that it’s because of the line that I got anything done,” said a modest Biancarelli. “The line did everything. They stopped the ball. They got me through the [defensive] line. They stopped the ball for me [so I could make] an easy interception in the third quarter. Definitely both the defense and offensive line won the game for us.”

The Greyhounds have a bye this week before the annual Thanksgiving game versus Ansonia Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. in Naugatuck.