Naugy looks to bounce back after first loss  

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Naugatuck’s Jason Spino (9) breaks up a pass intended for Torrington’s Logan Kovall (7) Nov. 1 Torrington High School. -BILL SHETTLE/REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

The Greyhounds traveled to Torrington Nov. 1 for what was their biggest challenge of the season to date.

Missing a few key players, the Greyhounds fell to Torrington, 14-7, for their first loss of the year.

Naugy (5-1) fell behind for the first time this season when Christian Estefani broke loose on a 57-yard touchdown run in the opening quarter to give Torrington (5-2) a 7-0 lead.

The Greyhounds got even at 7-7 when quarterback Jay Mezzo capped a 71-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, and the teams went into the half tied.

With 2:54 to go in the third quarter, Jacob Coleman scored on a 50-yard run to give Torrington a 14-7 lead that the Raiders wouldn’t relinquish.

The ‘Hounds felt the absence of their number one rusher Malachi Gattison, their number one receiver Jeff Schebell, along with Paul Marsh and lineman Josh Lastra, who were all out.

“We were down a few key guys,” Naugatuck head coach Dave Sollazzo said. “But that’s no excuse, Torrington came ready to play. They deserve credit; they made more plays than we did.”

Aaron Smith led Naugatuck with 102 yards rushing and Connor Maxwell caught four passes for 48 yards. Mezzo was 10-of-19 passing for 110 yards.

It wasn’t enough offense to take advantage three Torrington turnovers.

Naugy had one last opportunity to get back in the game, but a pass on fourth down was ruled incomplete at the 2-yard line with two minutes left to play.

“We had our opportunities but we just didn’t make the plays,” Sollazzo said. “We are in unchartered waters right now. We haven’t lost a game this early in the season in the past three years. The bottom line is we need to focus on us and sew the mark of a good football team and respond to adversity.”

The loss dropped Naugatuck to the eighth spot in the Class LL state playoff rankings.

Naugatuck will look to bounce back Friday against Seymour (5-2).