Seventh-Grade Football Team Keeps Hold On Crown

Newtown’s seventh grade American Youth Football team won the Colonial League championship for the second straight year with a win over Shelton on Monday night. Playoff highlights are as follows:

Newtown 26, Norwalk Gold 20: After being delayed a week and having limited practice time Newtown traveled to a neutral field in Weston to take on Newtown Gold for the third time this season – this time in the playoff semifinals.

It started as a defensive game with neither team moving the ball. After an interception by Norwalk, Newtown’s defense forced a fumble and the ball was recovered by Hunter Cobb, giving Newtown possession deep in Norwalk’s territory. Quarterback Patrick Conte ran the ball in for the touchdown putting Newtown on the board first. Alex Morganti connected on the extra point closing out the first quarter, 8-0.

After forcing Norwalk to a three and out possession quarterback Justin Dunn led Newtown down field behind the blocking of Matt Fuchs and Erik Benson. After a 29-yard reception by Cobb, Dunn scored on the keeper putting Newtown up 14-0.

A 61-yard interception return for a touchdown brought Norwalk to within 14-6 at the half. In the second half, Newtown forced a fumble and the ball was recovered by Ben Mason. On the ensuing drive, Norwalk penetrated Newtown’s backfield and pushed Conte deep for an apparant loss when he broke free and turned it into a 43-yard touchdown run putting Newtown up 20-6.

Newtown’s Ryan Marusi and Stephen Macejko both sacked Norwalk’s quarterback forcing a fourth and long and Norwalk couldn’t convert.

Dunn connected with Bobby Haskins for a 16-yard gain on the screen pass setting up Joe Acousti to run it in behind the blocking of Gavin Stubbs and Matt Bucci. Marusi, Morganti, Adam Bell, and Jack Riley continued pressuring Norwalk’s quarterback, forcing fourth down situations.

In the final stanza, Norwalk picked up its offensive game and broke for a 65-yard touchdown run, and connected on the extra point. Despite efforts by Conte, Mason, and Haskins, Newtown wasn’t able to add to its point total. Norwalk capitalized on a 35-yard punt return which led to an eight yard TD run.  The Nighthawks gained possession and closed out the game by running out the clock. The win allowed Newtown to play in the league championship on Monday night.

Newtown 20, Shelton 14: The Nighthawks played under the lights in front of a boisterous crowd for the championship on Monday night.

Newtown’s defense put the Hawks on the board early in the game with Thomas Long blocking Shelton’s punt and running it in for touchdown. Shelton quickly quieted the Newtown crowd with a 73-yard touchdown reception and connecting on the extra point to go up 8-6.

Newtown’s Ryan Marusi put pressure on Shelton’s quarterback, forcing him into the arms of Bobby Haskins for the sack. Hunter Cobb then intercepted a pass attempt on third and long, returning the ball to 10 yard line.  Newtown was unable to capitalize on the Shelton miscue.

The second quarter became a stalemate as defensive efforts led by Marusi, Jack Riley, Alex Morganti, and Haskins closed down the middle and Cobb, Matt Bucci, Joe Acousti, and Scotty Bauer contained on the outside.

The second half began with a 65-yard touchdown run by Patrick Conte being called back on a penalty.  Shelton took over after an interception but was quickly shut down by the Hawk defense, led by tackles for a loss by Thomas Long and Ben Mason. Newtown made good on Conte’s next touchdown run from six yards out and Morganti connected on the extra point, putting Newtown on top 14-8.

Despite tackles by Long, Adam Bell, and Haskins, Shelton moved the ball 54 yards and scored on an eight yard run. Haskins came up big on the extra point attempt, blocking the kick, keeping the score tied at 14.

Newtown took possession with 3:30 remaining but was unable to put together a sustainable drive, giving Shelton possession at midfield. Newtown’s secondary of Cobb and Bucci broke up pass attempts and Haskins and Acousti contained the run game forcing Shelton to turn the ball over on downs.

With Conte working under center and a fired up Nighthawk crowd, he was able to connect with Cobb on a 31-yard reception giving the Hawks a first down on Shelton’s 27 yard line. After two incomplete pass attempts, Conte connected with Steven Moccio who weaved through the Shelton secondary to find the end zone with seven seconds left in the game, giving Newtown the and its second consecutive league championship. The Nighthawks will face Hartford on Sunday, November 13 for the state championship in Shelton.