It remains to be seen which teams are the strongest in the state when the football season unfolds next fall, but Newtown High School's lineup proved to be the strongest off the field, in the weight room, by winning the Nutmeg State Games High School Football Weight Lifting Competition, at New Britain High School, on March 10.

Newtown was tops among 24 teams.

"I was very pleased and proud of the performance. We have increased our numbers time and time again over the past three months. The goal was to lift above 12,800 pounds and we lifted 12,955. A lot of guys stepped up and exceeded their max bench, clean, and squat," Newtown Coach Bobby Pattison said.

The closest team to the Nighthawks was Southington which lifted 12,835, and Shelton came in third with 12,595. "Both of these numbers would've won on most years," Pattison noted.

"The work ethic and weight room attendance is great, with 30 to 40 kids working out daily. We have some guys that I have to kick out of the weight room after two hours," the coach added.

While the Nighthawks have weight lifting bragging rights through the upcoming season, strength is just one element of the game that a team needs to succeed.

"Strength is an important aspect of the game of football, but there are other factors that are important too. Strength and speed paired with solid fundamental football technique creates explosive football players. One of the most beneficial aspects of this event is it helps us build our team mentality," Pattison said.

"This was a great team experience and performance. The weight we lifted is the highest any team has done in the past five years. I told the kids on the bus ride they cannot settle and we must continue to get better. Kickoff is in six months versus New Fairfield so there is a lot of time and work still to be done," Pattison added.

Joe Pagett competed in the 160 pound and under weight class and he won first place for his squat of 370. He also won first for total weight in his division with 815, which takes into account all three lifts: squat, clean, and bench press.

In the 181-200 weight class, Matt Dubois came in second for his clean of 275 and third for total weight in his division with 935; and Jack Hannan earned second place for his squat of 405.

In the 201-220 division, Dan Mason won first for his clean lift of 290. Mike Loomis took home third place with a bench of 285.

In the 221 and up weight class, Joe Zeller earned third place for his squat of 525.