Newtown High School's football team will take on South-West Conference foe Brookfield in the home opener, at Blue & Gold Stadium, on Friday, September 22, beginning at 7 pm.

Both teams are 1-1. Brookfield, which had defeated New Fairfield 7-3 in week one, fell 45-27 to Foran of Milford in a nonconference battle in week two. Newtown beat Pomperaug of Southbury 27-0 and fell 30-14 to out-of-conference opponent Xavier of Middletown this past week.

"Newtown versus Brookfield always brings excitement. Both teams were disappointed with the result of our crossover games. We need to play a clean football game, limiting mistakes, and taking full advantage of opportunities to score. 
I expect a big crowd this Friday as it is our home opener," Newtown Coach Bobby Pattison said.

The Southern Connecticut Conference's Xavier Falcons jumped out to a 7-0 lead. The Nighthawks got the score to 7-6 on a Riley Ward 34-yard touchdown reception; the extra point was no good. Down 14-6, the Nighthawks got a spark on a Connor Marlin interception, but couldn't cash in, and the Falcons built a 24-6 halftime cushion.

Dan Mason's rushing touchdown and Jack Miller's two-point conversion run accounted for the only other Nighthawk scoring.

Newtown quarterback Ryan Kost threw for 189 yards. Ward had three catches for 69 yards to lead the way. Xavier's defense limited Newtown's rushing game to 52 yards on 25 carries.

Marlin and Mason both had 11 tackles, and Luke Hannan and Jack Mulligan each had eight tackles. Alex Street recovered a fumble.

"I was extremely proud of the boys' effort, but disappointed in the outcome. We made some mistakes and missed some opportunities that could have changed the outcome of the game. We need to do better," Pattison said. "It was a learning experience for many players playing in a hostile environment with a big crowd."