Update: This article has been updated to include details of scoring plays as well as statistics.

Newtown High School's football team defeated visiting New Fairfield 47-12 in the season-opening game, at Blue & Gold Stadium on September 10. First-year starting quarterback Jack Colonel, running back Luke Gagnon, and defensive back Nick Stockwell led the way.

The Nighthawks converted the first of two Stockwell interceptions — which thwarted a Rebel drive deep into NHS territory — into three points on a Spencer Maddox 21-yard field goal. It was 3-0 Hawks after one quarter of play.

"That kind of set the tone. I think we played well," said NHS Coach Dan Farina, adding that there are still some things to clean up, including penalties that wiped big plays off the board, but it was an overall solid effort nonetheless.

Newtown pulled away with 25 points in the second quarter with Gagnon banging his way in for a score from seven yards out and scoring a three-yard run, Colonel running for a 30-yard TD, the QB connecting with Cam Kullgren on a four-yard strike in the end zone, and Maddox booting another field goal — this one from 26 yards out — set up by a clutch Colonel to Max Malitsky 32-yard passing play. It was 28-6 Nighthawks at halftime.

A Maddox 25-yard TD reception helped extend the advantage to 34-6 just 59 seconds out of the break. Stockwell's second INT set up Gagnon's two-yard TD rush on fourth down. Andrew Moran recovered an onside kick and Newtown was in command 41-6 after three quarters. Gagnon added his fourth rushing score in the fourth, another seven-yarder, as the Hawks built a 47-6 lead.

Gagnon rushed 27 times for 195 yards, Colonel carried the ball five times for 79, Jake Fattibene had three rushes for 23, and Jackson Powers three for 14. Colonel completed seven of 13 pass attempts for 119 yards and did not throw an interception. Maddex and Kullgren both had a pair of catches. On defense, Caden Cuomo and Graham Spencer each had five tackles. Aidan Calle got to the Rebel quarterback for a pair of sacks and Drilon Lena had a QB sack.

"I think it was a good start for us," Farina said.

Colonel saw limited time at varsity last fall and stepped in nicely for his starting debut.

"He did a good job. ... He stepped up in the pocket when we wanted him to and he ran the ball well," Farina said. "He did a great job of being the pilot of our offense, giving the offense juice when they needed it."

Stockwell's two INTs were a big part of his game and he also returned a trio of punts for a combined 35 yards to help set up the offense.

"He played an amazing game. He's a leader on our football team," Farina said.

Newtown hosts Southington Friday, September 18 at 6:30 pm. Southington was the Class LL runner-up to Greenwich (Newtown's October 3 opponent). "We're excited for it," the Newtown coach said of this tough competition ahead.