The QB, receivers, running backs (those most directly responsible for scoring touchdowns) — even defensive players when they make an interception or come up with a crucial QB sack — get a bulk of the recognition for their efforts during a football season.

Winning the Class LL state championship was quite an experience for members of Newtown High School’s football team, but the excitement continued for nearly a week following the team’s wild 13-7 win over Darien on December 14.

Newtown High School's wrestling team defeated visiting Brookfield 42-32 in the the season-opening match, on December 19.

Newtown High School's boys' basketball team overcame a 14-point halftime deficit to defeat host Crosby of Waterbury 79-74 in the season opener, on December 21.

The ultimate goal to end the season is to raise a state championship banner. They say to be the best you've got to beat the best and Newtown High School's girls' basketball team certainly has made its presence felt from the get-go. The Nighthawks began their season by defeating two of last year's state champions: Class M winner Cromwell 54-46 on December 16, and Class LL champ Norwalk 40-25 two nights later, in the home opener.

The competitive season officially starts for Newtown High School’s boys’ swimming and diving team on Thursday, December 19, with a visit to Weston at 4 pm. The restart is after the calendar turn to 2020 when Newtown has its next meet, Tuesday, January 7, against visiting Brookfield at 7 pm.

Small in numbers, Newtown High School’s hockey team looks to have a big season. Despite the smallest roster Coach Paul Esposito has had, with only 16 players, the coach’s goal is for a return to the postseason.

Newtown High School’s wrestling team is the defending South-West Conference champion but lost six grapplers who were conference place winners to graduation. The good news for the Nighthawks is that Steven Vournazos, who sustained a season-ending injury early on last year, is back in the fold, and there are some newcomers who accomplished big things at youth level last winter, helping to fill some of those voids.

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.

Newtown High's football team captured the Class LL state championship on the last play of regulation. QB Jack Street connected with Riley Ward to win the game. Final: NHS 13, Darien 7. See video of the deciding score and celebration here.