Hawk Gridders Double Up New Fairfield

By Andy Hutchison

BROOKFIELD — Newtown High School’s football team scored four first-half touchdowns and cruised to a 28-14 win over New Fairfield under the lights at Brookfield High on October 30. The Nighthawks, who continue to play away from Blue and Gold Stadium while the renovations are completed, keep winning as they improved to 6-1. The Rebels fell to 2-5.

The Nighthawks got two rushing touchdowns from both running back Louis Fenaroli and quarterback Dan Hebert and the defense did the rest.

Hebert had the first of his ground-game scores in the first quarter and the game was even at a touchdown apiece after the first 12 minutes. Newtown dominated the second quarter, building a 28-7 cushion behind Hebert’s one-yard score for a 14-7 lead and back-to-back Fenaroli TDs. Fenaroli scored from four yards out for a 20-7 lead. Newtown failed to convert the extra point but, by the time this game was over, that was a moot point. The Nighthawks increased their lead on Fenaroli’s burst through the middle from 19 yards out with 41 seconds to play in the half. Newtown used a little trickery to treat themselves to a two-point conversion on the night before Halloween. Hebert, playing the role of holder for the kick after touchdown, took the snap and quickly shuffle-passed the ball to a cutting Brendan McNamara who broke to his right and found the end zone for a 28-7 advantage. Newtown’s fourth touchdown was set up by defensive tackle Gunnar Cedergren’s fumble recovery at the New Fairfield 34 yard line with 3:11 to play in the opening half.

The Rebels used a strong kick return and pass play to get the ball all the way down to the NHS 10 yard line with 16.5 seconds to play. After losing four yards, the Rebels appeared to be out of time but officials put time back on the scoreboard clock, despite arguments from Newtown coaches, and the Rebels took advantage with a touchdown as time expired.

All in all, the Nighthawks were happy with their first half effort, although it ended on a sour note.

“We did what we wanted to do in the first half, putting up 28 points. That last play out of the half really kept them hanging around in the game,” Newtown Coach Steve George said.

In the second half, Fenaroli used several tackle-breaking runs to keep possession for the Hawks, and Fenaroli, Hebert, Andrew Cebry, and Max Nacewicz carried the ball repeatedly to enable the Hawks to chew up time on the scoreboard clock.

Strong defensive efforts by Mike Lord, James Horosko, Fenaroli, Nacewicz, and Eric McCabe, all of whom came up with timely tackles and/or quarterback sacks, helped NHS shutout their opponents in the third and fourth quarters.

The Nighthawks have been hampered by injuries all season long but continue to find ways to get the job done.

“We have a lot of depth on this team. I’m really proud of everyone who has had to step up,” Fenaroli said.

George added that Hebert, who stepped in as QB for the injured Will Arndt two games ago, and kicker/tight end Justin Brophy have been the leading fill-ins this fall.

Newtown’s next “home” game will be held in Brookfield again, when the Hawks battle the Joel Barlow Falcons this Saturday, November 6, at 7 pm. As of now, pending further delays at Blue and Gold, Newtown is scheduled to play its annual Thanksgiving Eve game with Masuk of Monroe at Blue and Gold. NHS, following the Barlow game, will visit Stratford on November 12.