Newtown High School’s passing attack was thwarted by the rain, and the rushing game was mostly stopped by visiting Xavier of Middletown’s big front six in the Class LL-Small Division football state playoff semifinals at Blue & Gold Stadium on December 6. The fourth-seeded Falcons capitalized on a turnover for their only touchdown, and had a pair of field goals to defeat the top-seeded Nighthawks 13-7, advancing to the championship game.

The Nighthawks, down 10-0 at halftime, closed to within three points when quarterback Jacob Burden connected with Ethan Carpenter over the middle for a 46-yard scoring play with 4:42 left in the third quarter. That was a rare successful play through the air for either team.

Newtown nearly recovered an onside kick, but did get the ball back by forcing a punt following consecutive quarterback sacks by Ben Mason and Jake Lambert. Newtown’s offense was held in check the rest of the way as Xavier’s big defensive line allowed few rushing breakthroughs and the rain intensified, making it difficult to throw and catch the ball. Jaret DeVellis had some strong runs to move the chains and keep drives going but the Falcons only bent and would not break.

After holding the Falcons to a field goal in the fourth quarter, the Nighthawks had a late chance to battle back but turned the ball over on downs deep in its own territory with 2:58 remaining. Xavier ran the ball and ran out the clock to earn a clash with No. 2 Shelton in the title contest.

The Falcons got their first points on a kicker Andrew Verre’s first field goal, a 32-yarder, late in the first.

Although the teams were even in the turnover battle, the Falcons cashed in on one Newtown mistake. The Hawks turned the ball over on a dropped punt return, giving the Falcons possession at the NHS eight yard line late in the second quarter. Xavier quarterback Michael Scherer scored on a third and goal run from four yards out with 1:29 showing on the scoreboard clock.

Julian Dunn had an interception and Lambert recovered a fumble in the first half. Newtown’s defense was solid throughout the game, but the Falcons managed to convert several third down plays to keep drives alive.

Carpenter noted that the weather disrupted the game plan. “We’re a pass-first offense,” he said. “Our defense really stepped up, holding them to 13 points. But our offense couldn’t convert.”

“We’re six points away from going to the state championship. We’ve been close before and we’re close again,” Newtown Coach Steve George said.

Despite the outcome, George will have great memories from the season, which included a 12-0 mark, including a South-West Conference championship, before the loss to Xavier.

“I’m proud of these kids,” George said. “They’re winners in my book.”

“We played our hearts out ’til the end and that’s what matters,” Carpenter added.