A pair of interceptions, one returned for a touchdown and another possibly preventing a Notre Dame Prep of Fairfield TD, lifted Newtown High School's football team to a 20-9 win over the visiting Lancers at Blue & Gold Stadium on October 15.

Newtown's strong possession game, made possible by its offensive line and ball carriers, also played a significant role in the Nighthawks improving to 2-3 this fall and knocking the Lancers from the unbeaten ranks; Notre Dame is 4-1.

The Nighthawks played a conservative yet aggressive game, leaning heavily on its rushing attack and short or screen passes, while also taking chances. There were a game-starting onside kick, going for it on fourth down, and a fake punt in the mix.

"Just trying to make things happen," Newtown Coach Dan Farina said. "We worked to keep the ball , keep it away from them."

With Newtown trailing 9-6 in a mostly uneventful third quarter, Nighthawk freshman Devin Santacroce came up with the play of the game, intercepting a pass and returning it 40-plus yards down the left sideline for a go-ahead score with just five seconds left in the quarter.

"He really turned the momentum for us when we were trying to figure things out offensively," Farina said.

Spencer Maddox hit the extra point kick for a 13-9 lead. Maddox made both of his extra points despite battling an injury, Farina noted.

Newtown added to its lead with 6:47 to play in the fourth when Luke Gagnon found a hole in the line and broke free for a 15-yard score. Quarterback Jack Colonel had big rushes to set up the score.

The Lancers looked to make it a one-possession game and were knocking on the door when Caden Cuomo came away with a goal-line interception with just under four minutes to play.

"Our defense came to work today," Farina said. "Our defensive staff does an amazing job of making sure they're in the right place."

After a stop on Notre Dame's first possession, the Hawks used a 15-play (all rushes), 64-yard drive — and 6:20 of clock time — to seize a 6-0 lead with 3:10 to go in the first quarter. Gagnon opened the scoring with a four-yard run into the end zone.

NHS held that lead going to the second but Notre Dame answered to tie the score before booting a 29-yard field goal for a 9-6 edge with 3:05 left in the opening half.

During the second quarter, Newtown tried to trick the Lancers when punter Nick Stockwell threw the ball on fourth down and 12 but the Hawks narrowly missed moving the chains.

Newtown's defense was solid throughout the contest. The Lancers lost standout ball carrier Ja'cari Harris to an injury late in the second quarter.

"I hope he's healthy and can come out for them next week," Farina said.

The Nighthawk running game was as much in place to keep the ball from Notre Dame as it was to generate offensive production.

"We feel like our guys have been one step away, one block away," Farina said.

Perhaps this win signals a turning point in its season. The Hawks look to continue their winning ways when they host Joel Barlow of Redding on Friday, October 23 at 6:30 pm. Farina said the team would enjoy this victory, watch game film, hit the weight room, and get back it one game at a time.

This is the program's Youth Night, honoring the youngest football, cheerleading, and dance squads in town, and also its Pink Out game in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Proceeds from Pink Out shirt sales and donations benefit the Healing Hearts bereavement program at Regional Hospice.