Newtown High School maintenance workers were busy clearing several inches of snow from the turf and stands at Blue & Gold Stadium on December 3 as the football team’s state playoff opener fast approached.

Jack Vichiola and Rick Robinson plowed the snow with John Deere Gators, and Eric Ventura shoveled the stadium stands to get things ready for the game, which was postponed a day due to snowstorm, allowing for preparation of the playing surface. Newtown is the top seed in Class LL and will host No. 8 Norwich Free Academy on Wednesday, December 4, starting at 6:30 pm.

“The kids worked so hard for this game; we’ve got to make it happen,” Vichiola said between runs back and forth to pile snow anywhere he could find space outside the playing field boundary and bench area.

“The sun helps out tremendously, but it’s not out,” added Vichiola, during an overcast part of the day.

It had been out earlier and returned as the cleanup continued, and temperatures climbed to or just above freezing to help with the process.

Vichiola said by the time they were done, it would be a six- or eight-hour task and pointed out that Ventura had the toughest job of the small group.

“It’s good exercise,” said Ventura, who can be spotted on the sidelines of Newtown games, supporting the Nighthawks, throughout the school year.

Warmer temperatures and rain showers are in the forecast for Monday, December 9, when the semifinals will take place, also at 6:30 pm. With a win over Norwich Free Academy, Newtown would host its next game as well.