The rules may be vastly different, but the result was a familiar one, with Newtown High School’s football team again putting forth a dominating effort against a South-West Conference foe. The Nighthawks won their first 7 versus 7 game/strongman competition in a 39-0 triumph at Pomperaug of Southbury, on October 2.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, traditional 11 versus 11 football is on hold at least until the late winter/early spring, at which time the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference has plans for an alternative season, if all goes well. The Nighthawks, who have largely dominated against their rivals in recent years, made the most of their opportunity to compete.

The score factored in four lineman challenges, which Newtown won: timed tire flip, tug of war, sled push, and lineman 7 on 7. Quarterback Jack Street threw for three touchdowns, Connor Breslin, C.J. Cuomo, and Cam Ward all caught touchdown passes, and Tyler Griffin kicked a field goal.

“I was very pleased with the outcome for the first week. I think everyone was a little nervous because of the new format, but it went smoothly mixing in the strongman competitions in between quarters of the 7 on 7. The kids were happy to get out and compete against another team, and it felt awesome to be under the lights again. That being said, we are still hopeful to have an opportunity to play normal football in the spring,” Newtown Coach Bobby Pattison said.

Newtown will host Brookfield this Friday, October 9, visit Masuk of Monroe on October 16, host New Fairfield on October 23, entertain New Milford on October 30, and travel to Bunnell of Stratford on November 6. All games are scheduled for 7 pm but are subject to change.