STRATFORD — One of the usual suspects, standout Caleb Smith, got things going with an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown — the first of his three TDs. Then a bunch of other Nighthawks got involved as the Newtown High School football team poured it on for a 40-8 victory over Stratford at Penders Field on November 4.

Smith rushed for a score and caught screen pass from quarterback Jayden Cordova as the Nighthawks built a 21-0 cushion through just one quarter of play.

J.J. Haddick took the direct snap and ran the ball up the middle for a six-yard score late in the opening half. It was 27-0 at the break.

The Red Devils had an interception early in the third quarter but, just two plays later, Andrew Grenier’s juggling act INT got the pigskin back in Newtown’s hands with possession at the Stratford 30 yard line.

Newtown cashed in when Cordova connected with James Hartigan for a 16-yard scoring strike making it 34-0 with 8:01 left in the third.

The Hawks added a fourth quarter TD when Cordova connected with Griffin Clemen in the paint from ten yards out. Newtown took a 40-0 lead with 7:54 left. The Red Devils got a kick return for a score to break up the shutout, and added a two-point conversion.

Ryan Schoffstal went behind center and quarterbacked the Hawks late in the game. Cam Ward had some big carries. Bryan Reyes was solid on both sides of the ball with receptions and pass deflections. Evan Nikolas, Josh Miller, and Jayden Taylor had carries.

Newtown will host New Fairfield Friday, November 11 at 7 pm.

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