For almost every one of the five starters/regulars Newtown High School’s boys’ lacrosse team lost to graduation, it effectively gained a player with the return of someone who was sidelined due to injury for all or much of last year.

The Nighthawks saw some key players graduate, but plenty of talent comes back from the injury bug and returns after a run to the conference championship as Newtown again looks to put itself on paths to South-West Conference and state success.

Players who were hurt for a bulk of time last year and are back in the fold: Andre Sokk (defense), Alec Budd (defense), Brennan Mayer (attack), and Will Swierbut (midfield). Shaine Luzietti (defense) is injured to start the year but expected to return early on.

Captains are midfielder Declan Sughrue and attack player Aiden Coleman.

Other key returnees are Kyle Shirk (defense), Tucker Garrity (attack), Jeff Garrity (midfield), Jake Dandrea (goalie), Tanner Stergue (midfield/ faceoff specialist), Jake Bulkley (defense), Michael Haddick (defensive middie), CJ Cuomo (defensive middie), Kyle Sullivan (attack), Brandon Manka (attack), Brett Pierce (attack), Connor Breslin (midfield), and Tanner Trede (offensive middie).

Last year, the Nighthawks reached the SWC title game before falling to New Fairfield. They went 13-3 in the regular season and earned the No. 2 seed in the Class LL state playoffs. NHS got to the state quarterfinals, taking Glastonbury into overtime before losing a heart-breaker.

“I’m happy with the way this team is going,” Coach Scott Bulkley said at a preseason practice at Blue & Gold Stadium last week.

“We have some really big, strong, fast kids,” said Bulkley, adding that the Hawks are still relatively young in some areas.

New Fairfield, Joel Barlow of Redding, and Weston are expected to again be among the top South-West Conference teams.

Garrity is on pace to break the program’s career scoring record.

“He’s about to do some amazing things,” Bulkley said.

“It’s definitely exciting, but its not really my focus this season. I’m more focused on getting the team in a better position in the playoffs,” Garrity said.

Garrity will play for Jacksonville next year, and Sokk has committed to Hartford.

The Hawks, who are also led by assistant coaches Steve Groccia and Chris Gregory, open the season Tuesday, April 2, when they visit Barlow at 7 pm. Newtown’s first home game is Thursday. April 11, when New Fairfield comes to Blue & Gold Stadium at 7 pm.