Newtown High School’s football team scored four unanswered touchdowns en route to a 27-6 victory over visiting New Fairfield in a Veterans Day game under the lights — and at times heavy rain — at Blue & Gold Stadium. The Nighthawks improved to 8-1 and the Rebels fell to 7-2.

It was 6-6 at halftime. Newtown cashed in on an interception by Andrew Grenier to tie the game in the second quarter. The Hawks went ahead 13-6 in the third on Caleb Smith’s 27-yard carry to paydirt, and Newtown pulled away. Dylan Magazu rushed for a trio of scores to lead the Nighthawk offense.

The visiting Rebels scored on the game’s opening drive, one that chewed up 8:42 of time. Mark Sokk and Brady Fodor blocked the extra point attempt and it was 6-0 after one quarter of play.

In the second quarter, the Nighthawks got the ball back right after they punted when Grenier picked off a pass at the New Fairfield 48 yard line with 5:13 to play in the half. That led to a quarterback keeper and touchdown run by Magazu from eight yards out with 3:45 left in the quarter. Andrew Swierbut’s extra point missed wide, but Newtown’s multi-purpose player and kicker made good on his ensuing three tries.

Newtown nearly seized the lead before halftime. After a defensive stand, the Hawks took over at their own 38 with 2:14 to play. Jayden Cordova took the reins at quarterback and completed passes to Swierbut and James Hartigan. Newtown set up for a 30-yard field goal try with just one second left, but two penalties against the Rebels moved the ball all the way to the three yard line. NHS opted to try to capitalize on the change in field position but Magazu was stopped just shy of the goal line as first half time expired.

It was all Newtown in the second half. Smith broke free for the go-ahead score just 2:19 in the third; it was 13-6 Hawks.

New Fairfield went for it on fourth and one at its own 29 and got stopped as Newtown’s defense remained locked in.

The Nighthawk offense could not take advantage. In a quarterback connection effort, Magazu lined up as a receiver and Cordova attempted a pass to him that was broken up on fourth down. After another NHS stop on defense, the QB tandem did combine on a fourth down pass play late in the quarter. The third ended with the Hawks up 13-6 and driving.

A screen pass from Cordova to J.J. Haddick moved the chains on third down, Magazu ran it in from eight yards again. It was 20-6 Hawks with 10:05 to go.

Cam Ward intercepted a pass with 9:00 to play, but Newtown gave the ball back on a fumble at its own 32 with 7:13 showing on the scoreboard clock. The Rebels converted on fourth and 12 to keep their hopes alive, but Swierbut broke up a fourth down pass, giving the ball back to Newtown at its own 18 with 4:57 remaining.

A long Magazu carry helped set up yet another Magazu touchdown run, this time from 18 yards away. The final TD of the night came with 1:50 to go.

Jack Chappa’s late quarterback sack helped put an exclamation point on Newtown’s eighth consecutive victory.

“We were excited to play in the rain. That’s real football. We like to run the ball,” Magazu said.

“It was fun. That was a fun game,” said Newtown Coach Bobby Pattison, who added that the weather elements impacted the slow start to things for the Hawks who are accustomed to jumping out to early leads.

“We challenged our kids at the half,” Pattison said. “We did what we wanted to do in the second half.”

Pattison said the changeup at quarterback gives opponents a different look on any given play. Cordova can throw the ball or run, and Magazu has contributed significantly with his rushing and, in recent games, adds to Newtown’s receiving depth.

Up next is the regular-season finale when Newtown visits Masuk of Monroe on Wednesday, November 23, at 6 pm.

“Masuk-Newtown, it’s a rivalry. It’s always going to be a tense game,” Pattison said.

The Masuk Panthers have won six straight games to improve to 7-2 overall. A lot will be on the line when the teams meet, as was the case a year ago.

Masuk knocked Newtown out of state playoff contention by pulling out a 24-21 win. This year, the Hawks might have an opportunity to return the favor and, in doing so, bolster their playoff positioning.

Pattison noted that several of Newtown’s players were on the field for last season’s disappointing end.

“That was an offseason motivator,” Newtown’s coach said. “I think it’s going to be a battle. Our kids will be ready.”

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