The season-opening game between the host Newtown High School and visiting St. Joseph of Trumbull football teams began on Friday, September 8. It will have to be finished the next night.

Lightning flashed in the sky with the Cadets driving in Newtown territory and trailing the Nighthawks 9-7 with 4:42 left before halftime. After several subsequent flashes in the sky and a nearly hour-long delay it was announced, shortly after 9 pm, that the game would be resumed Saturday night, September 9, at 7 pm. There will be no admission charge for the continuation.

The Nighthawks fell behind 7-0 on interception return off a deflected pass, then had an apparent touchdown catch by Jayden Taylor, off another deflection, called off when officials ruled Newtown quarterback Jayden Cordova released the pass beyond the line of scrimmage. The Hawks trailed by that 7-0 score heading into the second quarter.

Newtown's defense continued to shine and forced a punt that gave the offense possession at the St. Joes 36 yard line. The solid field position led to a 36-yard field goal by Will McManus making it 7-3 midway through the second quarter.

Jackson Chacon's fumble recovery at the Cadet 25, with 6:38 to go before halftime, gave the Hawks more great field position. Newtown cashed in when Cordova completed a pass to Taylor — a Jayden to Jayden connection — on a slant route for a 15-yard touchdown play. The kick failed but Newtown took a 9-7 lead with 5:59 left in the quarter.

Check back to find out how the rest of the game unfolds.