Stratford, CT — It was an exciting week for Newtown High School quarterback Jayden Cordova and the Nighthawks. First, Cordova was recognized by the New York Jets as the team’s High School Player of the Week fueled by Gatorade. Then, Cordova and the Nighthawks went to Stratford and blanked the Red Devils 41-0 in the rain on September 29. The senior QB was recognized on New York Jets Community Relations Twitter page on September 28 for his week two performance in Newtown’s 30-7 win over New Milford. Cordova threw for 233 yards and a trio of touchdowns in that win. Newtown went on to defeat Trumbull 21-14 a week later, then improved to 4-0 with the win over Stratford. In the most recent game, Cordova completed five of 13 pass attempts for 79 yards and a pair of TDs. The Nighthawks rushed the ball 23 times for 108 yards in the challenging weather conditions. Ayden Paulos carried 13 times for 49 yards, J.J. Haddick rushed five times for 36 yards and a couple of touchdowns, and Cordova kept the ball five times for 23 more on the ground, including a TD. Jayden Taylor had two catches for 62 yards and a pair of receiving TDs. The Nighthawks opened the scoring with a 23-yard Cordova to Taylor TD pass. Brady Macey recovered a fumble and ran it back 28 yards for a score. Haddick had an 18-yard rush into the end zone and Cordova ran it in from ten yards out as the Hawks built a 27-0 halftime lead. In the second half, Cordova connected with Taylor on a 39-yard score and Haddick added a five-yard rushing TD. The defense was led by Haddick with six and a half tackles, Jackson Chacon with six tackles and a QB sack, Nick Pavia with four and a half tackles, Kieran Garrity with four tackles, Evan Nikolis with three tackles, and Aydyn Gonzalez with two and a half tackles and an interception. Following a bye week, the Nighthawks are back in action with a road tilt against the New Fairfield Rebels Friday, October 13 at 7 pm. The Hawks return to Blue & Gold Stadium Friday, October 20 when Weston visits for Senior Night; kickoff again at 7 o’clock. Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at [email protected]. https://www.newtownbee.com/10062023/jets-player-of-week-cordova-and-hawk-football-team-roll-over-red-devils/