Last season, Newtown High School's boys' golf team upset defending champion Pomperaug of Southbury to win the South-West Conference championship. This spring, based on a combination of Newtown's success and experience, the Nighthawks won't be surprising anybody - at least not if they repeat.

"I believe this team is the favorite for the conference going in - no doubt. I think everybody believes that," said Bill Flood, who co-coaches the team along with Bob Pattison.

The Nighthawks went 12-3 during the regular season a year ago, falling to Masuk of Monroe twice and Pomperaug during the campaign, and won the SWC title by edging out Pomperaug, then tied for 12th in the Division I state tourney.

Graham Hubbert, an All SWC selection, and Jacob Burden both graduated, leaving spots to be filled.

This year's captains are Josh Houle, Colin Patrick, and Mike Macchiarulo.

Houle was first team All SWC, and Patrick was All SWC Colonial Division last year.

"With these two leading the way we should be pretty good - that should be a really strong duo," Flood said.

Senior Curtis Williamson, junior Michael Meyer, and sophomore Ryan Patrick are among the experienced golfers whom Pattison expects to contribute. Williamson and Meyer will compete for starting positions in the lineup, Pattison said.

"We are also excited to see Ryan Patrick continue to improve with a full year of experience. He was a starter last year for us as a freshman," Pattison adds.

Others who stand to make an impact at the varsity level, Flood expects, are seniors Mike Davis and Marc Carlson, and sophomore Garrett Reed, as well as newcomers Ryan Kost, a sophomore, and freshmen David Brestovansky and Tim Davis.

"We return a core group of our team that won the league championship last year. The expectation is to compete for a league championship once again. We are led by a strong group of seniors who will have to carry us with one or two younger players stepping up," Pattison said. "We do need a few players to step up and be consistent because of our graduation losses. Some of the newer faces in the starting lineup did get some experience last year, but will need to perform on a consistent basis."

Flood doesn't temper his optimism.

"We're loaded," said Flood, indicating that the toughest competition the Hawks face this spring stands to be from within the lineup rather than from opponents. "I think the hard part is going to be picking who [we're] going to play," he said.

"We have a cohesive group of seniors that have a great rapport," Pattison adds. "They are always looking to push each other to get better. They are excited."

Only five golfers can compete in a given match, with the top four scores contributing toward the team score.

Winning may come regularly for the Nighthawks, but things will have to fall into place.

"Will we have a few bumps in the road doing the season? Yeah," said Flood, noting that any golfer can have an off day on the course.

Flood notes that Barlow and Weston have improved, that Bethel and New Milford can make some noise, and that Pomperaug can be competitive despite losing its best golfer to graduation.

"Pomperaug is usually the match circled on the schedule as the biggest because of their long history of success in the SWC. But I would not count out some of the other schools such as Masuk, Barlow, and Bethel who will all be looking to take down the league after having successful years last spring," Pattison said.

"We expect to compete in every match and be in the hunt for the league championship," said Pattison, adding that last year's success was a great accomplishment but that it was last year.

"A new year brings new challenges with spots to fill. Other teams will be looking to hoist the SWC trophy in June. Our kids need to stay focused and continue to work hard to stay on the top," Pattison said.

The season is slated to begin on Monday, April 4, with Barlow visiting Newtown's home course, Rock Ridge Country Club, beginning at 3 pm.