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"We knew that teams were gonna be gunning (for us) at the beginning of the year," Archangelo said. "We knew from last year that we had a lot of guys returning, and we’re a different team from the past. I think a lot of teams put us on that radar in the beginning. Obviously, now they’re definitely putting us on the radar guns."
The Devils (4-0) used a balanced rushing attack to set the tempo.
Led by starting halfback T.C. Scott (9 carries, 101 yards), Plainville used a myriad of backs to chip away at the Raider defense. Altogether, the Blue Devils gained 255 rushing yards with six different players getting touches.
"We’re lucky this year to have that depth," Archangelo said. "If T.C. goes down for a play, or if our fullback goes down for a play, I think we have somebody just as good to step into that door."
Sophomore Ben Sparks was given a chance to flex his muscles. Sparks, who carried most of the load in the second half, had eight carries for 60 yards and a TD.
"He’s got the vision, he’s got the moves," Archangelo said. "He’s a good little running back, but he’s not physically ready yet to take on a full responsibility of getting pounded every play. But he does a nice job back there, as well."
After forcing Enfield three-and-out on the first drive of the game, Plainville quickly converted its first possession into a score.
Starting on the Raiders’ 37, Scott ran a couple times for a first down. On 2-and-10, David Soltis took it around the left on a quarterback option and found an open path for a 27-yard touchdown run with 7:45 remaining in the first quarter.
Enfield started at its own 38-yard line on the next series. Quarterback Dan Pliszka converted a third down with a 21-yard run, bringing the ball into Plainville territory.
Later in the drive, Pliszka completed passes to convert a fourth down and another third down, but the drive ended when Devil defenders stuck Dominque Lindo for a six yard loss on 4-and-3. Enfield made it as far as the 8-yard line.
Plainville went back to work.
On a drive highlighted by a 57-yard run by Scott, the Devils got near the goal line when Soltis connected with Mack Litke for a 21-yard gain. Kevin Czellecz punched it in from the 2, and Soltis ran in the 2-point conversion to make it 14-0 with 34 second left in the first quarter.
Scott ran for a touchdown and Litke caught one as Plainville increased its lead to 26-0 by halftime.
"For them, I’m sure it felt like their back was against the wall for the entire first half," Archangelo said. "And then when we got the ball, we just ran some powers straight at them and they weren’t able to stop it."
Enfield’s only touchdown came on a 56-yard run by Jaime Smith with 1:13 to go in the game.
Soltis had 10 carries for 46 yards and was 3 of 4 passing for 36 yards. Mike Levandowski had 8 carries for 38 yards, and Litke hauled in all of Soltis’ passes.
Plainville travels to Berlin next week at 7:00.
