Led by its defense, which held visiting Cheshire off the scoreboard in the first half, Newtown High School's football team defeated the visiting Rams 34-13 at Blue & Gold Stadium, on October 22.

An interception by Chris Stowell set up Caleb Smith's rushing touchdown for a 7-0 lead thorough one quarter of play.

The Nighthawks scored twice more in the second for a 20-0 halftime advantage. Quarterback Dylan Magazu avoided a sack and scampered into the end zone from 11 yards out to double Newtown's lead.

Newtown's defense was playing so well the Hawks called its last timeout on a Cheshire third down deep in its own territory with 1:34 remaining in the half. An incomplete pass and punt later, Newtown took over at the Rams' 42 yard line with 1:21 showing on the clock.

Magazu went to work through the air with a 15 yard completion to Matt Jacobs along the right sideline and a 24 yard hookup with Andrew Swierbut down the left side on third and 10. That set up a three yard TD pass to Andrew Jacobs with 23 seconds to spare.

Magazu had two more touchdown passes in the second half — both to Eric Gray.

During halftime, the 1981 state champion Newtown High team was recognized.

The Hawks will visit Shelton on Friday, October 29, at 7 pm.

Read more about the win over Cheshire in the October 29 print edition of The Bee.

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