When the Nighthawks open the 2000 season down at Notre Dame of Fairfield, it will be with a fair bit of optimism. This is the second year under new coach Ken Roberts and coach Roberts, among others, feels that most of the bugs have been worked out of the new system.

“The kids have a real positive outlook,” he said. “We put in everything we needed to put in and had a good pre-season. But we still need to see the proof in the pudding and so we’re going to go down there, keep it simple and basic, and play hard.”

Coach Robert’s keys:

+ Cut down on turnovers

 

+ Simplify things offensively and defensively

 

+ Cut down on mental errors

+ Go out and play hard

 

“Notre Dame is a young team,” said coach Roberts, “and even though (Gabe) Ramos is gone they have some very good fullbacks and a couple very good lineman. They can still move the football. I think we may be a little better, but we haven’t found ourselves yet.”

The Nighthawks’ top tailback, Kyle Tobin, is still nursing some injuries but is expected to play.

With kickoff set for 1:30 pm on Saturday, the true test will be how the early September weather (early forecasts call for a rainy 66 degrees) will affect players who may not yet be fully conditioned.

Last year:_Notre Dame 40, Newtown 28.