NAUGATUCK — Last Friday night’s game between Holy Cross and Naugatuck on the gridiron was billed to be one of the games of the year. The Greyhounds first real test of the season turned out to be nothing more than a pop quiz as the ‘Hounds buried the Crusaders by a wide 42-7 margin.
The Crusaders, who came in averaging 40 points per game, took a quick 7-0 advantage on just four plays.
After the defense held Naugy to a three-and-out on the first possession of the game, Holy Cross’ Andrew Bialoglowy rambled 30 yards into the end zone with 8:36 left in the first quarter. The Greyhounds faithful was looking a bit worried.
That would be the last time the Crusaders would be heard from the rest of the night. The Naugy defense went to work and shut down Holy Cross the rest of the way. Three interceptions and huge sacks from P.J. Murphy and Aaron Yourison bolted the door shut as the Crusaders suddenly could do nothing right.
“This game was huge,” Murphy said. “They scored on their first drive and never touched the end zone after that. We knew what this game meant and we just picked up the intensity level.”
Jason Bradley didn’t have as much time to throw the ball as he did in Naugy’s first game versus Torrington, but he was still efficient going 15 of 29 for 248 yards and three touchdowns.
The Naugatuck line was able to open up some running lanes and Antoine Sistrunk took full advantage of the running room. Sistrunk churned up 140 yards on the ground and scored two touchdowns.
“We didn’t get a whole lot of respect about our line coming into this game and all I can say about that is look at the scoreboard,” lineman Jack Reardon said. “The defense kept getting us the ball back and we went out and just took care of business.”
The ‘Hounds didn’t score on their second possession but let it be known that they would be reckoned with as Bryan Coney (7 receptions for 149 yards) pulled one in over his shoulder down the sidelines for a 28-yard pickup.
After a loss of downs, the defense went to work with Sistrunk stepping in front of a Crusader pass for an interception at midfield. The Greyhounds shifted gears and Bradley hit Jalen Datil for a 25-yard gain. Three plays later Bradley showed just how many targets he has at his disposal. With a double-teamed Coney out of the picture, Maleek Brooks was all alone in the end zone for a 15-yard scoring strike.
Bradley ran in the two-point conversion and Naugatuck never even bothered to check the rearview mirror. The ‘Hounds piled on 22 points in the second quarter and this game was quickly headed into the win column.
“We played hard and we are just trying to get better each week,” said Naugatuck head coach Craig Bruno, trying to downplay the importance of the early season matchup. “Once we got the lead it really turned around for us. The defense started to come up with some big plays with the interceptions and it just carried over to our offense. But we got a lot of football left and a long way to go. We just need to come out and give this kind of effort and good things will happen.”
Bradley showed his versatility in the second quarter. After being chased out of the pocket, Bradley had the presence of mind to get off a shovel pass with the defense closing in and Sistrunk pulled in the pass off his shoe tops. Three plays later C.J. Wall pulled in the 3-yard touchdown toss to open up a 16-7 lead with 9:36 left in the half.
Holy Cross pinned Naugatuck deep in their own territory on a punt, but the ‘Hounds showed they have enough weapons to get out of tight situations.
Bradley got more than enough time with Reardon, Dave Kloc and Logan Bond getting it done up front. Coney pulled in a 23-yard pass and on the next play Will Paul opened up a lane and Sistrunk took off on a 34-yard run.
With 4:22 left in the half Sistrunk barreled into the end zone to cap the drive and a 22-7 advantage.
Holy Cross threatened to get back in the game but the defense answered again. Lined up at the Naugatuck 12 just before the half, Socrates Illunga intercepted a pass and returned it 43 yards down field.
The interception set up a 36-yard touchdown pass to Coney. Sistrunk ran in the two-point conversion to give Naugy a commanding 30-7 advantage at the half.
Wall added a 30-yard touchdown blast in the third quarter and Sistrunk ended the scoring on a 13-yard run in the fourth with 10:03 left in the game.
Naugatuck (2-0) will face the surprising Kennedy Eagles (3-0) at Municipal Stadium Thursday.
