NEW CANAAN — Despite being undefeated the No. 3 Newtown High School football team was a slight underdog in its Class L State Playoff semifinal-round visit to No. 2 New Canaan, a one-loss team with a slightly higher ranking due to strength of schedule.

Although the host Rams were favored their 35-20 win on Sunday, December 8, was a disappointing outcome for the Nighthawks who went in believing they could take another step toward a championship and left the field having proven they could compete with anyone.

"Our goal was to come in here and win," Newtown Coach Dan Farina said. "We came up short. We played our hearts out — a lot of effort, just a lot of passion. ... It's never enjoyable when the season ends."

The teams traded leads in the first half that ended with the score deadlocked at 14 apiece. Newtown's Nick Pavia scored twice on rushing plays following direct snaps in the opening half.

Pavia's first touchdown was a five-yarder to knot the score at 7-7 late in the first quarter. His second TD rush was from two yards out as Newtown took a 14-7 lead with 8:19. The Rams answered less than a minute later.

Newtown's defense prevented the Rams from capitalizing on a pair of first-half interceptions.

New Canaan struck early in the third and held the lead even after the Nighthawks scored thanks to an extra point block. Newtown quarterback Ryan Schoffstall connected with Jayden Taylor for a 63-yard TD play through the air less than a minute after the Rams' first score of the second half. It was 21-20 with 7:28 left in the third.

After the Hawks made a defensive stand the Rams came up with third third INT of the afternoon and cashed in on a short field, despite backing up on penalties, scoring on third and goal from the 19 with 2:52 left in the third. It was 28-20 heading to the fourth.

In the final quarter Newtown punted for the first time but the Nighthawk defense forced the Rams to punt. The field position changed as the Hawks took over at their own 12 and ended up punting from their end zone. New Canaan capitalized on more good field position, capping a 35-yard drive, and the scoring, with a four-yard TD run with 4:27 to play.

New Canaan blocked a field goal attempt early in the game. Newtown's Will McManus and James Hartigan had key receptions, and Ayden Paulos rushed the ball for big gains, especially in the first half. Justyn Gonzalez and Taylor had some strong kick and punt returns when the Rams did not get touchbacks or down the ball with strong special teams play.

On defense standouts included Kieran Garrity with a quarterback sack, and Henri Quirk, Graham Spencer, Caden Cuomo, Pavia, and C.J. St. Louis with tackles and pass deflections.

"Our kids played tough. I'm proud of them. We just came up a bit short," Farina said.

New Canaan will take on No. 4 Darien in the title game.