Freshman Football Squad Blanks Oxford

Newtown High School’s freshman football team blanked Oxford 22-0 at home on October 11. The Nighthawks prevailed despite the fact leading rusher and quarterback Jared Pearson suffered a broken ankle the week before and may be out for the season, and wide receiver Devin Luzietti and center/ defensive lineman George Salaris were both out with concussions.

Matt Maturo took over at QB and ran the offense. With pass completions to Mark Urso and the running attack of Andrew Svanda the Hawks got down into Oxford territory. Running back Ethan Carpenter put the first score on the board with a 27-yard run.

On special teams, Chance McMahon continued his tackling frenzy, getting to the carrier first on almost every kickoff.

The defensive line held the Oxford offense to minimal gains. Carlo Fenaroli, Ryan Shaw, Christian Morlock, and Tommy Elliot stopped all running attacks by the opponent.

The second score was set up on a 40-yard run by Carpenter to the Oxford one yard line. Matt Maturo went in for the score and the conversion was made good by Mark Urso, giving the Hawks a 14-0 lead at the half.

In the fourth quarter Shaw stripped the ball from an Oxford player and scrambled 15 yards into Oxford territory. Maturo then threw perfect passes to Sam Czel and Carpenter to set up a four-yard touchdown run by Svanda.

With minutes left, Ryan Shaw kicked a 55 yard boot to pin Oxford at the two yard line. The defense was held in the end zone and picked up the safety. Running back Declan Sullivan kept the clock running as he gained yardage on every carry. Svanda had 149 total yards and Carpenter compiled 107 total yards.