The Class LL state championship game seemed destined for overtime. Newtown High School’s football team had the ball at the Darien 36 yard line with three seconds left and the game even at 7-7.

Then one of the more dramatic finishes in Connecticut championship history occurred. Quarterback Jack Street dropped back and threw a perfect pass through the dense fog to Riley Ward who ran the final stride or two into the end zone along the right sideline, sparking a celebration 27 years in the making - since Newtown captured its last state title.

The top-seeded Nighthawks, who were stymied by third-seed Darien’s defense for most of the night, pulled out an improbable 13-7 victory at foggy, at-times-rainy Trumbull High, on December 14.

The bench spilled out onto the field, fans later joining as the celebration grew and Darien’s players were left stunned.

“Everyone starting running and I was looking for somebody to hug,” Newtown Coach Bobby Pattison said. “I don’t think you could have written a better ending than this one.”

Pattison referred to this as a “walk-off” win. Those are usually reserved for baseball games, but the rarity came on the gridiron on the biggest of stages for these Nighthawks.

“It’s a big win for the community. It’s been 27 years, it’s an unbelievable feeling,” Street added.

There was a moment of silence prior to kickoff and many of the fans in attendance, including those on Darien’s side, wore green in honor of Sandy Hook Elementary School students, seven years to the day of 12/14.

The series of events that led to the deciding score were something nobody could have anticipated.

Darien had a first down at the Newtown 25 yard line and leading 7-0 midway through the fourth quarter, seemingly on the verge of putting the game away.

Newtown’s defense, which has been making big plays all season long — including in two shutouts in the state quarter and semifinals — made a stop.

Street then scrambled to buy time and threw a short pass to Ward who ran most of the 75 yards on the play to pay dirt, and Devin O’Connell’s point after tied things with 6:58 showing on the scoreboard clock.

After the teams traded punts the Blue Wave had another drive into Newtown territory but Newtown’s stellar D forced a turnover on downs at the 32 with just 1:01 left.

Street completed a third down and 11 yards to go pass to Ward to keep the drive moving. Another pass completion to Ward gave the Hawks their final seconds chance.

During a Newtown timeout, the fans chanted “Devin O’Connell,” in hopes of a game-deciding field goal.

A 53-yarder was not in the cards, but Pattison and the Hawks drew up a play.

After lining up and seeing Darien’s defense, Pattison called for another timeout and changed the play.

The original play call was for Ward to run a slant route, but the positioning of Darien’s safety led to the reset and change of plans. Pattison then called for Ward to run a post corner route.

It worked to perfection.

“It’s surreal. I just couldn’t believe he was that open,” Pattison said of Ward.

“Sometimes I’m right, sometimes I’m wrong,” said Pattison of his play calling, crediting his players for making him right when things go well.

The game was scoreless after one quarter of play and Darien led 7-0 at the half. Newtown had the ball in Darien territory only once before Ward’s first TD.

Jack Zingaro and Jared Dunn had interceptions and James Knox a fumble recovery to help keep things close throughout.

“It’s so exciting,” Ward said. “To turn it on in the last two quarters, I couldn’t think of a better way to end it.”

Pattison credited Newtown Defensive Coordinator Nick Tarantino and the defense for playing a significant role in the success of the team during this undefeated run to the top.

Pattison, a former player at NHS, also pointed to the mentality of his seniors who were sophomores in his first year as head coach.

“They bought in, they believed, they put in the effort,” Pattison said.