A highly-anticipated game between South-West Conference heavyweights turned into an unexpected blowout when the host Newtown High School football team tangled with the Bunnell Bulldogs at Blue & Gold Stadium on November 8.

Newtown won 60-29, coasting in the second half after building a 50-21 halftime lead.

The Nighthawks improved to 8-0 and, in the process, handed Bunnell its first loss in eight contests.

Offensive fireworks started from the get-go. Ayden Paulos dove into the end zone for the first touchdown just 3:01 into the tilt. A juggling catch by Jayden Taylor set up the score.

Then, on Newtown's next snap following a defensive stand and forced punt, quarterback Ryan Schoffstall connected with Taylor on a 68-yard scoring play for a 14-0 lead with 6:13 left in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs took only 16 seconds to respond, scoring on a kick return to slice the lead in half.

A long pass play from Schoffstall to James Hartigan down the left sideline set up Nick Pavia's two-yard score on a direct snap.

Things got interesting on the ensuing point after try. A high snap was grabbed by holder Marcus Gerace who ducked under a tackle and, calm and composed, threw a two-point conversion pass to Pavia to extend the lead to 22-7 with 3:28 to go in the opening quarter.

Bunnell scored twice in the final minutes of the first. The Hawks appeared poised for a stop when Joey Terry made a TD-saving tackle and the Bulldogs then were backed up on a penalty. But Bunnell found the end zone twice in the final minute, following up its second TD of the night with a fumble recovery and return for a touchdown in the ensuing kickoff. It was 22-21 Hawks after one.

Newtown's defense locked in and the offense — and defense — built on the lead from that point on.

Schoffstall again hooked up with Taylor, this time on a third and seven completion for a 50-yard score less than a minute into the second.

Kieran Garrity broke up a pass which led to a Bunnell punt, a short one at that. Newtown marched 53 yards for another score, the drive capped by a Paulos nine-yard scamper for six on a misdirection play. It was 36-21 with 7:41 to go before halftime.

The game was slipping away for Bunnell.

Cole Stockwell returned an interception to the end zone but the TD was called back on a blocking penalty against the Hawks. The INT and possession change stood and Pavia converted another direct snap rushing play on third and goal from the three, The point after made it 43-31 with 4:43 to go in the second.

Stockwell then came up with a pick six that stood, returning the ball about 40 yards to paydirt and it was 50-21 with 4:09 left in the half.

Stockwell continued to be a beast on defense with a fumble recovery but was injured on the play and exited the game.

Terry recovered a fumble early in the second half and Will McManus had a 39-yard TD reception to add to the lead.

Pavia broke up a pass to force a turnover on downs. It was 57-21 heading to the fourth.

Jake Roszman added a 27-yard field goal in the fourth.

Newtown will head to Joel Barlow of Redding Friday, November 15 at 7 pm.