Entering the playoffs as underdogs, being the seventh seed, the seventh grade Nighthawks football team stunned Shoreline Youth Football League by defeating the second- and third-ranked teams on their path to the championship.

Showcasing grit, determination, and a strong team bond, the Nighthawks proved they could conquer it all and earned their spot in the 2025 Championship. The Hawks took on the top-seeded Guilford Grizzlies in the Shoreline Championship in Madison on Saturday and fell 39-14, but it was a stellar season overall.

Right from the start, Newtown’s offense found itself under pressure, with the Guilford Grizzlies firing off the line every play in pursuit of the ball. The Hawks adjusted their strategies throughout the first half in pursuit of getting on the scoreboard but it was 33-0 Grizzlies at the half.

In true underdog fashion, the Hawks came out of halftime with renewed hunger, determined to take control of the game, proving to the Grizzlies that they weren’t stopping until the final buzzer. On their first scoring drive of the game, Brady Merrifield picked up a crucial first down on a trick play, with Nate Preziosi pitching the ball back to Quinn Garvin, who then connected with Merrifield. On the very next play, Preziosi found Garvin again, and Garvin powered through the end zone for a Hawks touchdown. Merrifield’s kick was good, making it 33-8.

Newtown struck again on its next offensive drive, with Nate Preziosi tossing to Zach Preziosi, who tore down the field for a 60-yard touchdown. The Hawks closed the gap to 33-14. Guilford added a late-game TD, but Shane Lovett came up big on the kick attempt, breaking through for a strong defensive block.

While the Hawks did not come out with a win, they walked away ending a season to be proud of, with a record of 7-4 after winning just a few combined games over the course of the previous couple of seasons. The Hawks appreciated the efforts of their coaches — Adam Antoinette, Brandon Adams, TJ Garvin, Justin Gibney, Joe Jackson, and Derek Reuther — who provided dedication and daily motivation throughout the season and beyond.

A special thank you went out to Team Mom Tracy Galassi, whose on-field support at every game and behind-the-scenes mastery helped guide the Hawks to the Championship this year. The team also showed its appreciated for Newtown High School Head Coach Dan Farina and the entire NHS coaching staff for their continued support this season. Getting the seventh-grade team in sync with the systems used by the high school squad contributed significantly to the turnaround, Farina said.

“It’s a great group of coaches who bought into what we’re doing as a staff here,” Farina said. “The kids — they’re playing hard and willing to learn.”