It has been two seasons, but Newtown High School’s football team is the defending Class LL state champion and back for another season on the gridiron. A year after the coronavirus-altered makeshift 2020 campaign of 7 on 7 touch football, the Nighthawks — along with the rest of the teams in the state — are hoping for a complete, traditional season with state playoffs to cap it all off.

“It is great to be back out there practicing. The kids are happy and having fun,” Coach Bobby Pattison said. “Hopefully we are able to make it through the season with few hiccups.”

Even if there are no virus-related issues — be they individual, team, or opponent quarantines, or a worst-case scenario of a shutdown — this stands to be a challenging season for the Nighthawks, who take on four tough nonconference teams as part of their ten-game schedule.

In addition to taking on South-West Conference rivals Pomperaug of Southbury, New Milford, Bunnell of Stratford, Weston, New Fairfield, and Masuk of Monroe, the Hawks line up against four foes from two other conferences, and all of them are traditionally in the playoffs or at least the postseason mix. NHS will play Fairfield County Interscholastic Conference (FCIAC) teams Darien and Ridgefield, and Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) teams Cheshire and Shelton.

Pattison is excited to face these opponents, but has some concerns with the Connecticut High School Football Alliance and consistency with scheduling across the board, he said. “Not all of the conferences play four crossover games like we do. Not all conferences are involved," the coach pointed out. “There really is no SWC, because 40 percent of your schedule is against the FCIAC or SCC. We play Darien, Ridgefield, Cheshire, and Shelton. Those teams had a combined record of 34-9 in 2019; three of those teams made the state playoffs.”

Newtown will again try to get to the top.

“Our goal is to win another championship. Expectations are not lowered. New group of kids, same expectations. Most teams have the same goal as us: Win a state championship,” Pattison said.

“It is always a challenge. You have to stay healthy, remain focused, and be mentally/physically tough. The next 100 days will not be easy,” Pattison said during preseason. “It will be a battle every week. They are four quality programs that also have a goal of winning a state championship.”

Captains are Andrew Jacobs (running back/linebacker), Chris Stowell (outside linebacker/wide receiver), Mike Carbone (offensive and defensive lineman), Eric Gray (wide receiver/defensive back), and Caleb Smith (wide receiver/defensive back).

As preseason unfolded, senior Jake St. Louis and junior Dylan Magazu were competing for the starting quarterback job.

Other key players include Noah Clark (offensive and defensive lineman), Colin Breslin (wide receiver/defensive back), and Matt Jacobs (wide receiver/defensive back).

“We are very confident in our skill positions. Our skill is deep on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. We have athletes on the perimeter and we are excited. We will likely spread it out more than we have in the past,” Pattison said.

The Hawks open up against visiting Pomperaug on September 10, and go on the road to face New Milford a week later. Newtown defeated Darien for the state title two years ago, and will venture to Darien for a September 24 rematch. The Nighthawks will host Ridgefield on October 1 and entertain Cheshire October 22. The Shelton game is on the road on October 29. Every game is on Friday night at 7 pm with exception of the annual Thanksgiving Eve clash with Masuk: NHS will host the Panthers on November 24 at 6 pm.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.