Sandy Hook, CT — Newtown High School's football team defeated visiting New Milford 30-7 to keep hold of the Boot Trophy, at Blue & Gold Stadium, on September 15. The Nighthawk defense was dominant and Newtown improved to 2-0 in this rare afternoon clash. NHS opened the scoring on a 35-yard field goal by Will McManus. Newtown added to the lead in the second quarter when quarterback Jayden Cordova threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Taylor for a 10-0 advantage. Justyn Gonzalez recovered a fumble on a New Milford punt return, giving NHS possession at the Green Wave seven yard line. The turnover set up another Nighthawk score as J.J. Haddick took the direct snap and scored on a two-yard rush. The extra point attempt missed but Newtown held a 16-0 lead at halftime. Newtown's defense continued to dominate in the second half. A quarterback sack led to fourth and forever and the Wave turned the ball over on downs. Taylor had key third and fourth down receptions to keep Newtown's next drive alive, and Taylor then hauled in a 12-yard TD pass on third and eight. The two-point attempt was denied but Newtown held a 22-0 lead with 2:35 left in the third. New Milford scored on a 62-yard pass play with 1:11 left in the third and that was all the Wave could muster. It was 22-7 going to the fourth. James Hartigan had a nice diving catch along the right sideline to set up first and goal at the ten. NHS was stopped on this and its next possession deep in New Milford territory, but capitalized late in the game. Jackson Chacon's interception set up a Cordova to Taylor 16-yard TD on a fourth and 13 play. Ayden Paulos added a two-point run to cap the scoring with 3:15 left. Up next for the Hawks is a September 22 visit to Trumbull High at 7 pm. http://www.newtownbee.com/09152023/defense-dominates-as-football-team-tops-new-milford/