Norwich — Norwich Free Academy entered last week's bye week coming off a Week One loss in which NFA managed just 33 yards offense in a 36-0 loss to then No. 10 Xavier.

In addition, NFA had to get ready for Friday's Eastern Connecticut Conference Division I game against Fitch and games the next two weeks against state powers Darien, ranked No. 1 in The Day's Top 10 Poll, and No. 8 Staples.

Let's just say the Wildcats, yet to score this season, practiced with a sense of urgency.

"We worked really hard," NFA senior running back RJ Darby said. "We worked until our bodies would not work. ... Hard work pays off."

"They were physical," NFA coach Jemal Davis said. "Xavier was more physical than we were. Up front, they dominated. The plan (in the bye week) was obviously 'we need to get better.'"

Hard work pays off.

NFA scored on its first drive against Fitch on a 15-yard touchdown run by Darby. And on its second drive, too. NFA (1-1, 1-0) dominated the Falcons, up front and otherwise, getting four touchdowns from Darby in a 42-7 victory.

Darby, who got the bulk of the first-half carries with the Wildcats missing running back Jawaun Johnson, carried 12 times for 102 yards and three touchdowns, all in the first half. He added a fourth touchdown on a third-quarter screen pass from quarterback Shea McManaway, which Darby took 59 yards down the right side, accelerating past a pair of final Fitch defenders.

Johnson did not play in the first half due to a coach's decision, Davis said, but ran the first three NFA plays of the second half for 55 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown.

Fitch (1-2, 1-1) went six straight series at the end of the first half and beginning of the second half without a first down and, more costly, turned the ball over three times on fumbles.

Davis credited sophomore Becker Bordeau for stepping into the "H-back" or blocking back role, giving an assist to the Wildcats' offensive line. In addition, McManaway, a junior, was 9-for-15 passing for 141 yards, a touchdown and an interception, going 8-for-12 as NFA established control in the first half.

Darby ran five times for 56 yards and a touchdown on the first series. McManaway took over the second series, going 4-for-5 for 62 yards, and it was capped by a 6-yard touchdown run by Caleb Parker, giving the Wildcats a 13-0 lead after one quarter.

"For us, it was a confidence-builder," Davis said of the opening series. "It put them on their heels. ... We want to go into these games with a solid game plan of what you're good at. The kids were able to execute.

"Here's a guy (Darby) that not only has his best game, but that he was able to do it in the running game and add some things to the passing game, as well."

Darby, listed at 5-foot-7 1/2 and 193 pounds, was part of NFA's 4x100-meter relay team which won the ECC outdoor track title in 2015. He has a similar powerful build to former NFA standout running back Khaleed Exum-Strong.

"I look up to Khaleed," Darby said. "... We worked really hard to have run and pass options so it's not just one person getting all the touches. I just knew if I got my chance, I was going to try my hardest, put my all into it."

Fitch scored with 57 seconds remaining on a 52-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Nelli to Zach Lettelier. Hollis Scott ran 10 times for 82 yards and Antonyo Figueroa had an interception at the goal line.

v.fulkerson@theday.com