NHS Football Team Beats Bethel

By Andy Hutchison

Newtown High School’s football team remained perfect with a 37-14 triumph at Bethel on October 26. Newtown improved to 7-0 and Bethel fell to 2-5.

The Nighthawks jumped out to a 27-0 halftime lead and coasted to an easy victory, holding the Wildcats in the teens for only the second time this campaign. Bethel was coming off 34- and 49-point performances in back-to-back wins, and Newtown Coach Steve George was pleased with his team’s ability to hold the ’Cats in check.

“I think our defense played really well,” said George, adding that the starters held Bethel to under 50 rushing yards in the first three quarters before the substitutes came on and helped polish off the win.

Wyatt Depuy, Pat Thornberg, and Josh Krapf all had quarterback sacks. Tim Krapf led the way with seven tackles, and Robbie Hughes, Depuy, and Chris Devaney had six, five, and four, respectively.

The Nighthawks were up against a big opponent, and George was happy with how the players handled Bethel’s size on the lines. “I’m really proud of our kids. They stepped up,” the coach said.

Newtown’s offense continues to pile on first half points en route to 30-plus point wins. Quarterback Drew Tarantino completed 11 of 20 passes for 229 yards. He tossed a pair of touchdown passes and did not throw an interception.

“He’s able to execute the plays very well,” said George, adding that Tarantino has the ability to throw short and long passes, depending on the play call, and rarely makes a mistake in the form of an interception.

Cooper Gold rushed 20 times for 118 yards and had a pair of TD runs. Dan Hebert also rushed for a score, and Julian Dunn and Troy Frangione had TD receptions. Gold had three catches for 68 yards and Dunn had three receptions for 53 yards.

Christian Mather converted four of five extra point kicks and booted a 33-yard field goal.

Up next for the Hawks is a visit to winless Immaculate of Danbury on Saturday, November 3. Kickoff is set for 2:30 pm.