A disappointing loss in a pre-season game with rival Monroe had the Newtown Pop Warner Midgets anxious and determined to begin the 2004 season with a win.

They secured that win, 14-6, over the Aspetuck Wildcats last weekend in Easton as Justin McGrath (15-yard run) and Jake DeVellis (80-yard fumble return) scored touchdowns.

Aspetuck won the opening coin toss and elected to receive the ball and while the offense was able to move the ball for a first down, the Nighthawk defense came together to stop the drive and force a punt.  DeVellis took the line drive punt on the run, at the Newtown 26, and returned the kick all the way to the Aspetuck 10.

DeVellis broke two tackles on the return to set up the great field position.

After a five-yard, illegal procedure penalty for having only six men on the line of scrimmage, DeVellis handed off to McGrath on a blast and McGrath broke outside, rambling 15 yards into the end zone for the TD. The PAT kick was missed, but the ‘Hawks had a 6-0 lead.

The Nighthawk defense held the Wildcat offense on their second possession when Ian Cooper grabbed an interception in the shadow of the goal line. Starting at their own eight, the Nighthawks were able to get a first down and moved the ball out to the 27, but the drive stalled.

Late in the second quarter, in Aspetuck territory, Newtown went to its passing attack. But on third and 10, Aspetuck picked off a pass. Although it was initially returned for a touchdown, an illegal block nullified the TD.  The Nighthawk defense was then able to hold Aspetuck off to end the first half.

After a period where neither team was able to get into the end zone, DeVellis picked up a fourth-quarter fumble off a nice bounce and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown. Charlie LoBosco booted the PAT kick through the uprights and Newtown had a 14-0 lead.

Late in the fourth quarter, Aspetuck was able to mount an offensive drive and scored on a 25-yard pass. The PAT attempt was unsuccessful and Newtown maintained an eight-point lead. The Wildcats attempted an onsides kick, Newtown scooped it up to preserve the win.

The Midgets will travel to Community House Field in Southbury on Sunday to take on the Pomperaug Warriors. Kick off is slated for 2 pm.

Junior Midgets Rally

To Edge Aspetuck

Kevin Canavan scored a pair of touchdowns (one from 39 yards out and the other from 37 yards out) and Kurt Nacewicz added one as the Newtown Pop Warner Junior Midgets defeated Aspetuck, 23-14, to open the 2004 season.

The first quarter started out well, with the Nighthawks taking the opening kick and driving down the field on the legs of Nacewicz and Canavan and a nice pass play from Kyle O’Connor to Tory Deakin. Canavan capped the series with a 39-yard TD run to put the ‘Hawks on top, 7-0.

Aspetuck came right back, though, and scored on its first drive to take an 8-7 lead, which held up until the second half. But the ‘Hawks took control right away, pushing back the Aspetuck defense and going ahead on Canavan’s 37-yard TD run behind the blocking of Zack Dent, Kevin Brown and Tim Wilmott.

Brian Reszoly kicked the PAT and Newtown led, 15-8.

Early in the fourth period, Aspetuck connected on a long pass play to trim the Newtown lead to one, but the Newtown defense – on big plays from Matt Taylor, Nick Tarantino and Tucker Schmidt – prevented any further damage.

AJ Ritchie also sparked the defense with an interception and 20-yard return. That return set up the offense, with Nacewicz putting the finishing touched on the win with an off tackle touchdown.

Junior Pee Wees

Nip New Fairfield

Andrew Cebry rambled 65 yards for a touchdown and helped lead the Newtown Pop Warner Junior Pee Wees to a 7-6 win over New Fairfield.

Cebry rambled behind the blocks of Matt Vavrek and Michael Senf and Joe Pieretti added the extra point to give Newtown a 7-0 lead. Danny Hebert and Mike Lord made some big defensive plays in the first half to keep New Fairfield off the scoreboard and Max Lopez played well throughout the game on offense.