Nighthawk Football Team Honors Veterans, Then Blanks Brookfield
Newtown High School's football team honored those who have served their country, then dominated visiting Brookfield in a 49-0 whitewashing, at Blue & Gold Stadium, on Veterans Day, November 11.
A pregame ceremony included veterans standing alongside members of the Nighthawks during the playing of the National Anthem. Newtown public address announcer Jason "J" Edwards recognized the many veterans on hand, including two of the game officials and Newtown Coach Steve George, who swapped his blue Nighthawk cap for a camouflage hat.
"I'm proud to be here," said Michael Csanadi, of Newtown, who served in the US Marine Corps from 1956-62, before taking the field with the players.
The Nighthawks then made their school proud once again, improving to 9-0 with their fourth shutout of the campaign.
It didn't take long for Newtown to set the tone. After kicking off to the Bobcats, the Nighthawk defense forced a three and out and a short Brookfield punt game the Hawks possession at the Bobcat 25 yard line. Hunter Cobb rushed for a 15 yard touchdown only two plays later and Newtown went up 7-0 just 2:45 into the contest.
After another three and out Jack Phelps blocked a punt and Newtown took over at the Brookfield 26. Once again it took just two plays for the Hawks to score. This time it was Ben Mason on a ten yard run with 6:05 to go in the opening quarter.
Newtown's third possession lasted all of one play as Cobb broke free for a 52 yard score and the Hawks led 21-0 after one quarter of play.
It was more of the same in the second, although the Hawks had to convert a fourth down before cashing in on their first scoring drive of the stanza. Cobb moved the chains on a fourth and inches carry that moved the ball from the Brookfield 41 to the 30. On the next play, Mason scampered into the end zone, and Newtown led 28-0 with 6:55 to go until halftime.
Matt Bucci's 64 yard punt return for a TD capped the first-half scoring outburst.
Cobb added a 64 yard TD run, and Jack Miller added a touchdown in the second half.
Up next for the Nighthawks is the regular-season finale when Masuk of Monroe visits Blue & Gold Stadium on Wednesday, November 23, in the annual Thanksgiving Eve clash, beginning at 7 pm.