When senior captain Connor Dullinger scored a goal that pushed Newtown High School’s boys’ soccer team’s lead to 7-0 — a win well in hand — the Nighthawk bench erupted almost as if it were a game-winner. The Nighthawks were on their way to an easy 8-3 Senior Night win over Kolbe Cathedral of Bridgeport at Blue & Gold Stadium on October 6, but the goal was a special one for Dullinger. That is because it was his first at the varsity level — a low blast just inside the left, far post.

“It was amazing. I’ve been playing defense for five or six years. To finally get my first goal on Senior Night, playing in front of my family and friends is special. It’s a great moment I’ll remember for a long time,” Dullinger said.

Even teammate and fellow senior captain Alex Braholli smiled and congratulated Dullinger enthusiastically despite being laid out on the sideline having just sustained an injury moments earlier.

The circumstances were just right: Senior Night, an opponent Newtown was almost assured of defeating, so Dullinger and other defenders were given a chance to play offense. Each of the seven seniors contributed in a big way and the underclassmen, including several up from junior varsity, all got into the game.

Backup goalkeeper Connor Troy, a senior, had a diving save; Kolbe scored three late goals with Newtown’s bench having been unloaded onto the field. Braholli had an assist and two goals before his injury. Senior Adam Dissa recorded an assist on junior Woody Morris’ first goal.

Junior Hayden Bobowick pushed up from midfield, made a nice run up the right side, and banged home his first varsity net-finder. Connor Muir and sophomore Erik Apri also scored, and junior Gjin Abazi logged an assist.

Seniors Nicholas Psichopaidas and John Moxham, typically in the back, played up and contributed to the offense. Senior Cal Lucas, a regular threat on the wing up top helped out but got to watch some of the defenders carry the offensive load for a change.

“I figured let them get a chance to run around up there and see what happens,” Coach Ryan Lyddy said.

This was a special night for the seniors.

“They’re great leaders. All of them bring a lot of pizzazz and determination to the group,” Lyddy said.

Getting the freshmen and sophomores, who generally play JV or do not get into varsity games, a chance to compete at the highest high school level was rewarding for Lyddy.

“The future looks bright on that end,” the coach said.

The present is looking good as well. Newtown, with a 3-1 win at Stratford on October 11, improved to 8-1-2 overall this fall. Muir, Luke Kellerman, and Abazi scored, and Dissa and Kyle Ruddy had assists.

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