The three-time South-West Conference champion Newtown High School football team is looking forward to continuing its run of success in conference play as the 2015 campaign kicks off.

Newtown’s season opens with a Friday, September 11, visit to Pomperaug of Southbury, beginning at 6 pm.

Coach Steve George notes that the SWC is full of competitive squads, including Joel Barlow of Redding, Brookfield — which Newtown bested in last year’s title game — Masuk of Monroe, and New Fairfield. Bunnell of Stratford also has plenty of returnees and, along with New Milford and Bethel, should be tough, George said.

“I think the whole league’s getting better and better,” said George, whose team rolled to an 11-0 record last fall.

As for how good the Nighthawks will be, a lot may come down to the development of the offensive line. George notes that the line is inexperienced at the varsity level coming into the season, but expects the players to emerge quickly.

“Our defense is our strength,” said George, whose squad graduated only five defensive starters from the lineup that held opponents to 104 points in 11 regular season contests, plus the SWC title game. By comparison, Newtown scored a whopping 446 in those 12 games. Newtown piled up the points with seven games in which it scored at least 41 last fall, including the SWC championship game.

The Nighthawks boast experience at the skill spots on offense, led by wide receivers Jared Pearson, Ethan Carpenter, and Michael Doyle, George notes.

Carpenter and Doyle, both of whom also play the safety position on defense, along with offensive lineman/ defensive linebacker Nick Samuelson, are the senior captains.

Justin Dunn is expected to be the starting quarterback and will be backed up by Ryan Kost. Among other key returnees are linebacker/tight end Ben Mason, defensive tackle Ryan Shaw, and nose guard Christian Morlock.

Newtown graduated eight players on offense, but George is accustomed to replacing team members year in and year out. Newtown has maintained its status as one of the best — if not the best — in the conference throughout the years.

The home opener is Friday, September 18, when Notre Dame-Fairfield visits Blue & Gold Stadium for a 7 pm kickoff.

Read more about the Nighthawks in the September 11 print edition of The Bee.