For the first time since the 2011 campaign, Newtown High School’s football team suffered a regular-season loss. A combination of New Fairfield’s stifling defense, windy and cold conditions, Newtown injuries, and mistakes added up to a 13-7 win for the host Rebels, on Friday, November 13. It was an unlucky Friday the 13th for the Nighthawks, who threw four interceptions, one that was returned for a touchdown. The Nighthawks and Rebels both stand at 8-1, each with one game left before the state playoffs.

Wind-driven snow came down for a short time in the third quarter on this chilly night. Newtown fans lined part of the home team's sideline to support the visitors in their biggest challenge of the year.

Newtown’s defense was its usual dominant force, holding an explosive New Fairfield team to less than 33 points for the first time since a season-opening 27-13 loss to Brookfield. But the Nighthawks’ also almost always potent offense was limited to under 34 points for the first time all season long.

“It hurts,” said Newtown Coach Steve George, adding that it’s only one game and the Hawks will have to put this one behind them and look ahead to the next contest.

It’ll be a bit of a long wait for Newtown; the next game is Wednesday, November 25, in the annual Thanksgiving Eve clash with Masuk of Monroe.

“We knew they were going to be good, and they were physical,” George said of the Rebels. “The kids fought hard. Our defense played well.”

The Nighthawks appeared poised to take a lead in the waning minutes. They moved the ball from their own 19 yard line to the New Fairfield 32, but a trick play backfired. Dunn gave the ball to Ethan Carpenter, who threw a pass that was picked off by Brian McGonnigle at the Rebel 23 yard line with 3:55 remaining. George described the play call as one that will haunt him for a while.

The defense came up with a late-game fumble recovery, when Sam Czel pounced on the ball on Newtown’s 35 yard line with just 1:48 left in regulation. But, after moving the ball just three yards, the Nighthawks faced a fourth and seven situation with 50 seconds remaining. Quarterback Justin Dunn was sacked, forcing a turnover on downs and effectively ending the game – along with Newtown’s string of dominance over its South-West Conference rivals.

“This is their first experience losing a regular-season game,” George said of his players, who were last beaten in the state playoffs a year ago.

Both the Newtown and New Fairfield defenses were solid from the start. Anthony Pearl intercepted a pass and returned it 17 yards for the first score of the game, with 4:33 to go in the first quarter.

Carpenter’s kick return gave the Hawks good field position at its own 45, but Newtown had a three-and-out and punted. Carpenter came up with a fumble recovery at Newtown’s 33 yard line late in the first quarter, but the Rebels again held and forced another punt.

New Fairfield added to its lead when quarterback Michael Zanca connected with Gregory Radovic in the end zone on an 18-yard pass on third and nine with 6:20 to go in the opening half. The snap for the ensuing extra point attempt was bobbled and the Rebels failed to get the kick away.

Newtown marched deep into New Fairfield territory on its next series, but Rudy Sarro intercepted a pass at the Rebel three yard line to thwart Newtown's chance.

Twice, the strong winds wreaked havoc on the Rebels’ punting game, as six and eight yard punts left Newtown with short fields – at the New Fairfield 25 yard line in the second quarter, and the 16 yard line in the third. The Rebels overcame the first short punt but Newtown capitalized on its second golden chance.

Dunn passed to Mike Doyle who ran the ball into the paint for a 16-yard score with 2:59 remaining in the third quarter. Dunn rolled left then turned to his right to hook up with Doyle as the Hawks executed a deceptive play to perfection. That was all they could muster.

“We knew we were going to have some difficulty with this team. They come off the ball hard,” George said.

The Hawks were without Jared Pearson, a weapon on offense, defense, and special teams, and running back Hunter Cobb started the game despite battling an injury, but was removed in the early going.

“It’s the end of the season grind,” said George, adding that he’s certain other teams are also battling the injury bug. “We just want to try to get healthy.”