Newtown High School’s football team showed its skill, speed, and muscle to earn a 50-17 victory over Brookfield in its first home contest of the altered, 7 on 7 season. The final tally from the game at Blue & Gold Stadium includes points earned during linemen challenges, including tug of war, between quarters.

Quarterback Jack Street threw for five touchdowns, four of those to Shaine Luzietti. C.J. Cuomo also had a TD reception. Jake St. Louis also threw a touchdown pass, connecting with Hampton Cobb. Rich Guman and Tyler Griffin combined to make all six extra points.

“I was very pleased with how our offense played overall. Jack was phenomenal and Shaine made some amazing catches. This is a position change for Shaine, formerly a running back, so it is great to see him excel,” Newtown coach Bobby Pattison said.

Due to rule changes implemented for coronavirus precautions, linemen may not participate in game action, so those challenges were implemented, and Newtown got the best of its opponent for the second straight week to begin the season.

“We wish the linemen were part of it more. We’re all a team and we need them to win it as much as we need us,” Street said.

Although not traditional 11 on 11 football, this variation beats not playing.

“The cards have been dealt. It is what it is, but it’s fun out here. We’re trying to make the best of it. It’s definitely fun to go out there and throw it every Friday night,” Street acknowledged.

If nothing else, this season is an opportunity for the players to compete, get exercise, and have some fun, but they are hopeful it serves as a preseason of sorts for a possible alternative spring slate, instated by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference for March and early April.

“I think the most important thing for us is to continue to get better and we did,” said Pattison, whose team opened the campaign with a win at Pomperaug of Southbury the week before.

Rule adjustments include no running plays and single-hand touch to end plays, although there was some two-hand touch, and even some tackles in this game as players got caught up in the excitement of playing and in the intensity on the field.

“We have to play smart and we have to stay composed at all times,” said Pattison, adding that silly mistakes cost teams field position, which costs teams games.

Not all teams have as big a lineup and as many players who are as far along as Newtown’s. Masuk of Monroe, Newtown’s next opponent, is one of those a bit short-handed, so the matchup will be set up differently to give both teams ample opportunities to possess the ball and work on offensive and defensive plays. Last week, Masuk took on some of New Fairfield’s junior varsity players during a brief competition. Newtown and Masuk were initially scheduled to meet on Friday, October 16 at 4 pm; the game may be moved to Thursday, October 15. Visit nighthawksports.com or casciac.org for updates.

Newtown’s next home field experience will be on Friday, October 23, when New Fairfield visits for Senior Night, beginning at 6 pm. (Game time changed from original 7 pm start.)