Greyhounds in a groove  

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Naugatuck junior quarterback Mike Plasky threw 10 touchdowns and ran for two during a three-game winning streak in which Naugatuck outscored their opponents 138-0. –FILE PHOTO
Naugatuck junior quarterback Mike Plasky threw 10 touchdowns and ran for two during a three-game winning streak in which Naugatuck outscored their opponents 138-0. –FILE PHOTO

NAUGATUCK — The Greyhounds have hit their stride.

At the halfway point of the season, the Greyhounds boast a 4-1 record and three consecutive blowout victories.

In their latest victory, the Greyhounds ran over Wilby, scoring 33 points in the first quarter en route to a 47-0 win.

Senior running back Tyler Deitelbaum kick started the Garnett and Grey with two rushing touchdowns early on. Quarterback Mike Plasky continued his passing barrage against the Wildcats, connecting with Jalen Datil, Elijah Robinson, and Derek Sampaio for three touchdowns on the night. The Greyhounds wrapped up their night with rushing touchdowns from Brandon Papp and John Mezzo.

Naugatuck head coach Craig Bruno said the three-game blowout streak is a sign of improvement and growth, but it doesn’t mean the Greyhounds’ work is done.

“We know we got a lot harder games coming up, so we’re just trying to keep working hard,” Bruno said. “Certainly we feel like we’re getting better. Obviously the opponents have something to do with it, but we’re trying to get better. We’re working on our own stuff regardless of who we play.”

Many will agree that the Greyhounds are in the easier part of their schedule.

Following a tough loss to Seymour on Sept. 16, Naugatuck routed Torrington, (1-4), Woodland (0-5), and Wilby (0-5). Naugatuck will visit Watertown (1-5) on Friday before a bye next week. The Greyhounds have a showdown looming with Wolcott (4-1), which handed Seymour its only loss so far this season, on Nov. 4.

Bruno and the Greyhounds have put the last three games to good use, developing crucial parts of the team, while also building momentum.

In his second season as starting quarterback, Plasky has taken strides. In the last three weeks, the junior captain has demonstrated growth and confidence against his opponents that has yielded success on his end.

In the Greyhounds’ three shutout victories the offense, which averaged 46 points, has run through Plasky. He has thrown 10 touchdowns and tallied two more on the ground in the three games.

“He’s such a good kid, and he’s so easy to coach that you can see it’s definitely helping him get better,” Bruno said. “You can see him getting better week to week. It’s great to watch.”

On the other side of the ball, there were questions around Naugatuck’s defense and how the younger, first-time starters would step up.

The Greyhounds have played solid defense the last 12 quarters, yielding some yards but no points. Players like senior Daniel Oladapo and junior Hubert Lutzykowsi have become consistent producers for Naugatuck, making big plays to give their team the edge.

Bruno said the defense is still a work in progress, but he is happy with the aggression that players have shown.

“Coach O’Rourke has been doing a great job with them and their having a lot of fun,” Bruno said. “Everyone is excited and flying to ball and trying to make plays.”