Solid blocking by the Newtown High School football team’s offensive line — as well as from running back J.J. Haddick — paved the way for the Nighthawks’ 48-12 win over New Milford, at Blue & Gold Stadium, on October 14.

This was also the Boot Game between the South-West Conference rivals, and Nighthawks have held onto the Boot trophy dating all the way back to 1994. The visiting Green Wave cut a 20-0 deficit and 20-6 game at the half to a single-possession situation. The Wave capitalized on Newtown's turnover on a botched punt return to pull to within 20-12 early in the third quarter.

It was all Nighthawks after that.

In addition to the Boot trophy, team members were playing for breast cancer awareness; players wore pink socks and fans donned pink shirts.

Quarterback Dylan Magazu scored four touchdowns, a pair in each half. Caleb Smith rushed for a couple of scores, and the Nighthawks had a Jayden to Jayden TD connection when junior QB Jayden Cordova hooked up with sophomore Jayden Taylor for a 28-yard pass and catch in stride, in the end zone.

With the Nighthawks leading 20-12 and the momentum having shifted temporarily in New Milford’s favor, the Hawks got it right back when Smith turned the corner and darted down the right sideline for a 67-yard touchdown run to make it 27-12 with 6:29 to play in the third quarter.

A good New Milford kick return did not faze the Hawks who forced a three and out and punt. Newtown added to its lead on the subsequent drive. Magazu not only converted a fourth and seven into a first down, he made it a 27-yard TD run around the right edge for a 34-12 NHS lead with 2:16 left in the third.

Magazu added a 41-yard scoring burst just 22 seconds into the fourth quarter when he found an opening up the middle of the defense and broke free.

Cordova’s touchdown pass to Taylor came with 7:33 to play to cap the scoring.

Up next for the Nighthawks is a visit to Bunnell of Stratford on Friday, October 21; kickoff is at 7 pm.

Read more about the New Milford game in the October 21 print edition of The Bee.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.