Newtown Nighthawks' Stellar Season Could Lead Them to States

Written By Maggie Gorman

Newtown is known for its great athletic program that draws people to town, captures their attention, and leaves fans with bated breath until the next big game.

Newtown High School’s varsity football team is exceptionally talented, with a record of 8-0 this season. On October 17, Newtown faced Ansonia from the Naugatuck Valley League. Going into the game, Ansonia had a 48-game streak and was looking to add a win against Newtown to tie Cheshire for the state record of consecutive wins. The Nighthawks were able to stop the powerhouse team and deny them the victory, coming out on top with a score of 14-8.

The game against the Ansonia Chargers was featured on NBC Connecticut as their “Game of the Week,” drawing local television stations and about 3,000 people to Blue and Gold Stadium. Being part of the game of the week not only gave Newtown’s athletic program more exposure, but raised more awareness on the quality of the football team.

“It put us on the main stage. We were seen as the underdogs that week. A lot of people didn’t expect us to win that game after Ansonia had won so many in a row, but it was a big program win for these guys,” Coach Steve George said.

The dedication during the offseason sets Newtown players apart from others more than anything else. “The offseason preparation work that they do is what really makes them one of the best teams in the area. They work really hard in the winter, spring and summer. There are not too many teams that have their kids there at 7-9 a.m. four days a week during the summer,” George said.

The work that the players do may be challenging, but it definitely gives them an edge over other teams, and pushes them to be their best. “We ask our players to commit to the weights in the off season. Strength is just one aspect of the game. We feel that the work done in the weight room helps give our players an edge against the competition. Most teams have offseason programs which add to the competitiveness,” Coach Robert Pattison said.

In addition to great preparation, a lively fan section and productive practices influence the final scores. “The amount of fans at our games really help us get excited,” senior quarterback Jacob Burden said. “Also, before two of our biggest games, we had great days of practice. Having good practices builds our confidence for big games and really prepares us all to win.”

Moving forward, Newtown will have to face three teams that are 5-3. “We’re worried about Stratford this week. That’s one of the things I try to instill in my players; not to look ahead. There are a lot of good teams that we’re going to end up having to play down the stretch. If we lose to Stratford, then we have to change the course of our season,” George said.

This year, there are only two rounds in the playoffs, compared to three in the past. So, if a team wins one, they are automatically in the state championships. The coaching staff and players all hope to bring home the gold and make Newtown proud.

“We’ve been starting the same group of kids since they were sophomores, so a lot of this success has been because of them. Now they’re seniors, and are experienced enough so that the playoffs are going to be favorable for them.” George said.

If Newtown can stay consistent in their wins, they will be a team to watch in December during the state championships. Good luck to the Nighthawks on the rest of their season.

Newtown plays Stratford Friday at 7 p.m. To see a list of upcoming games and past scores, click here.

Maggie Gorman, a lifelong resident of Newtown, is currently a senior at Newtown High School. She has been writing for Newtown High’s student-produced newspaper, The Hawkeye, for three years. Following graduation, she plans on pursuing a career in broadcast journalism.

Photo: Newtown Nighthawks

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