The Newtown High School football team’s undefeated season and state championship hopes were undone by a dominant Greenwich squad, in the Class LL playoff semifinals, in Greenwich on December 2.

The second-seeded Cardinals rolled to a 50-0 triumph, on a mild-for-the season afternoon, to advance to face fellow FCIAC foe and eighth-seeded New Canaan in the December 8 title game.

Greenwich jumped out to a 33-0 halftime lead with stellar performance in all facets of the game.

“They took it to us. They beat us in all aspects of the game,” Newtown Coach Bobby Pattison said.

Greenwich’s pass rush had Newtown quarterback Luke Melillo under pressure throughout the game. Newtown’s normally potent running attack struggled to move the ball. The Greenwich offense handed a Nighthawk team that allowed a season-high 15 points in a 26-15 win over No. 6 Darien in the Class LL quarterfinals, its most lopsided defeat.

Newtown had a tremendous season overall, capturing the South-West Conference season championship and carrying a 10-0 mark into the postseason, including nonconference triumphs over Cheshire and Norwich Free Academy.

In the end, the Hawks were just one victory shy of competing for state bragging rights, dethroning three-time state champ Darien in the process.

“The seniors did an excellent job of helping us get to this point. Obviously, it wasn’t the outcome we wanted. These guys have a lot of heart — we’re a family. I love coaching because of the kids; these guys make it worthwhile,” Pattison said.

Newtown’s goal was to win a state championship, making this a disappointing finish.

“But was can still hold our heads high. That fire needs to burn and we need to get better,” said Pattison referring to the returning players coming back hungry for success next fall. “We expect to be back next year.”