It was a bittersweet Senior Night for Newtown High School's boys' soccer team. The annual event always is, since it signifies the end of a run for the final-year players. Newtown's 5-0 win over Kolbe Cathedral of Bridgeport at Blue & Gold Stadium on October 22 was also tempered a bit by Joel Barlow of Redding winning its game, thus bumping the Nighthawks from South-West Tournament qualification.

Manny Adomako, Ryan Criscuola, Aiden Jennings, Jonah Kaiser, Gabe Marques, Luke Oliveira, Justin Redrovan, and George Tzakas were all honored.

"They understood what this moment was about," Nighthawk Coach Tony Viscuso said of his seniors soaking it all in, along with the fact that the team needed a win to keep its conference playoff hopes alive at the time.

Jennings scored twice, sending one directly in on a perfectly-placed corner kick and then adding another unassisted tally. Adomako was assisted by Kaiser, and Marques scored for a 4-0 Newtown lead at the half. Kauan Dos Santos, set up by Jack Bruno, wrapped up the scoring. Nighthawk goalkeeper Emanuel Orozco made a diving save late in regulation to help preserve the shutout.

In addition to the seniors being recognized, former Nighthawk Coach Brian Neumeyer, now coaching Kolbe, was recognized.

"It was nice to share a sideline with him again. We had some battles," said Viscuso, referring to the years during which he coached at Masuk against Neumeyer's Nighthawks.

There were mixed emotions surrounding the Hawks and Kolbe squads, and the season has been a bit of a mixed bag for the Hawks, who are still aiming high as they prepare for the state tournament following more than a week off from game action.

"It was a rollercoaster season," Viscuso said. "We'll try to win a state title — it's going to be a tough task."

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