Led by its turnover-causing defense, Newtown High School's football team defeated visiting Bunnell of Stratford 24-0 on Senior Night at Blue & Gold Stadium on October 17.

The Nighthawks had a half-dozen interceptions, led by three from Bunnell "receiver" in disguise Justyn Gonzalez, and also recovered a fumble.

Newtown built a 21-0 halftime lead on a trio of Marcus Gerace touchdown passes — a six-yarder to Grady Marks which gave the Nighthawks a 7-0 lead after one quarter of play; a completion to Luke Stewart on third and goal from the 14 yard line; and a 35-yard pass that was deflected by Stewart (while blanketed by a defender) and caught by Emmet Regan.

It was a penalty-filled opening half for the Nighthawks and visiting Bulldogs.

After halftime the Nighthawk defense continued its dominance and Jake Roszman booted a 35-yard field goal in the third quarter to cap the scoring.

In addition to Gonzalez's hat-trick's worth of INTs, C.J. Manfredonia, Nick Stockwell, and Caden Cuomo also picked off passes and Nick Pavia had a fumble recovery.

The Nighthawks had one lost fumble but won the turnover battle with a plus-six in that statistical category.

Cole Stockwell carried the load in the rushing game with several carries to help move the chains.

Gonzalez credited the coaches for getting Newtown's players in position to win this game during the bye week and also noted that his players played key roles in his trifecta on defense.

"We play as a team, as a family — not as individuals," he said.

"They were lights out from the get go," Newtown Coach Dan Farina said of his defenders on the whole, adding that the hard work in practice paid off. "We've been getting on them about being in certain spots."

Clearly Newtown's defenders were in the right spots throughout this game, especially Gonzalez.

"Justyn is a great player," Farina said. "He makes big plays in big spots."

Newtown (3-2) is home again on Friday, October 24, when Brookfield (4-1) visits at 7 pm. Bunnell fell to 3-2 this fall.