Winning the Class LL state championship was quite an experience for members of Newtown High School’s football team, but the excitement continued for nearly a week following the team’s wild 13-7 win over Darien on December 14.

The fact the game was won on the last play, in ultra-dramatic fashion — giving Newtown its first state title since 1992 — was significant enough. The media, on the whole, has made a big deal out of the win coinciding with 12/14, and that has been the focus of both sports and news articles, as well as television interviews.

Newtown Coach Bobby Pattison has kept the focus on the win being an accomplishment on its own.

“We played and won the championship on a very difficult day. It was emotional for a lot of people. The great thing about football is it allowed us to come together as a team and community to celebrate the moment,” Pattison said.

Media requests and invitations for the team to be honored as special guests from local and far off came in at Newtown High School in waves. Some of the requests were accepted, but Pattison and NHS officials, including Athletic Director Matt Memoli had to turn down several due to logistics, timing, and the decision to keep this as sports-themed a celebration as possible.

The entire football team, along with the cheerleaders, went to NBC’s Stamford studios to be honored at halftime of the Sunday Night Football broadcast the day after the state championship.

“That was awesome. It’s pretty crazy being in an environment you see every Sunday Night,” said Riley Ward, who had the game-deciding catch and both of the pinnacle game’s touchdowns on passes from quarterback Jack Street.

Team members got to tour ESPN studios and were guests on the air with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt. There was a visit to the high school from state officials, including Governor Ned Lamont (see related story).

This attention certainly has been enjoyable for the Nighthawks.

“It was definitely fun. We always have a great time together no matter what we’re doing,” said Brandon Lombardo, who platooned with Street at the quarterback position throughout the season (see related story in the sports section).

The attention has been both a treat and perhaps a bit excessive for team members.

“It’s a mix of both. It’s overwhelming, it’s fun, it’s exciting. It’s fun to celebrate with my teammates and reminisce about what we did. Part of me wants to move on,” said Ward, one of a few players who had to switch gears to basketball season, joining their teammates well into preseason with limited time to prepare for the start of the season.

Pattison describes the days following the win as “A little bit of everything. It’s fun, it’s exciting. … All these experiences were cool for the kids.”

Newtown High School hosted a media day for area reporters only on December 20.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” NHS Athletic Director Matt Memoli said. “Seeing all the smiles on the kids’ faces, soaking it all up — it’s been a fun experience.”