Hawks Biggest Game Marks Anniversary

The season of Friday Night Lights is upon us again, leaving the Hawks facing some of the biggest rivalries the valley has ever seen. On Friday, October 25th, the Woodland Hawks Football Team will take on their long-time NVL rivals, the Naugatuck Greyhounds, in what promises to be one of the most thrilling match-ups of the season. With constant tension between both teams in the past, the match-up will definitely be watch-worthy.

The Hawks have had a respectable season so far, having only played four games. Their electric team vibe and chemistry is seen immediately, pushing them to success. 

“You can tell that everyone is playing for one another and not for themselves,” said senior captain Brett Lato. “Our sense of brotherhood is very strong this year.”

Nico Scampolino, junior running back and linebacker, and Jack Brunetti, junior quarterback, are the dynamic duo to watch out for this season. Scampolino and Brunetti have been coordinating many offensive plays with huge distance runs, especially in the game against Wolcott on Friday, September 20th, leading them to a 60-12 victory. Their strategies look promising in their future match-ups. 

Naugatuck is also no stranger to high-pressure performance. The Greyhounds have a dynamic duo of their own: Ryan Deitelbaum, senior running back, and Ethan Jones, senior quarterback. Deitelbaum had an outstanding game on Friday, September 20th, against Holy Cross, rushing a total of 155 yards and scoring three touchdowns with incredible passes from Jones to lead them to a 35-24 victory. 

The Hawks know they must bring their A-game to come out on top.

“We know what is at stake, and we are focused on executing our game plan,” said Lato.

The rivalry between the Hawks and Hounds dates back many years, with each team bringing their own dedicated fan base to the stands. 

“The rivalry has lasted for a long time, and that is what makes the game special,” said Lato. Despite the tension on the field, Lato recognizes that it is all a part of the game. That night, the teams will be playing to win the Pinho trophy. The trophy commemorates the late George Pinho, who died of a sudden heart attack at the age of 48 in 2013. Pinho grew up in Naugatuck and later graduated from Naugatuck High School. Before his untimely death, he had been named head coach of Woodland’s Freshman Football Team and assistant coach to the varsity team. The Greyhounds have held the trophy since Pinho’s passing.

 “It is more than just a game; it is about family,” said Lato. “In the end, it is just two communities battling it out on a Friday night.”

Lato expects a positive outcome for the Hawks based on the strong team bond. The Hawks’ mindset going into the game is strong, and they are ready to dominate the competition.

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