WOODBURY — Nonnewaug’s homecoming is coming up, and there is a lot of preparation with that, especially with the football game. Northwest United, the name of Nonnewaug’s cooperative program with Wamogo and Wolcott Tech, will face O’Brien Tech at Nonnewaug’s football field at 6 p.m. on Oct. 14.

Nonnewaug Dean of Students and Athletic Director Declan Curtin has had his hands full with preparing for this big event.

“This homecoming event is a significant event for Nonnewaug High School and our greater community,” Curtin said. “Our first [home] game, about 650 folks showed up, and I believe this is going to be even more.”

There will be food trucks, and it’s going to be a white-out game, where everyone wears white in the stands. Curtin said there will be a lot of workers on the game to make sure everything goes well so safety is taken care of. At the same time, Curtin noted, “Kids need and want to have fun.”

Curtin discussed the significance of hosting a homecoming football game.

“We’re a first-year program and we’ve joined with two other schools. It’s been many years since we’ve had varsity football at Nonnewaug,” Curtin said, noting that the 2018 season was the last time Nonnewaug athletes competed in varsity football. “It’s a brand-new coaching staff that’s come together quickly, so hopefully all those reasons will create the perfect storm for success on homecoming night.”

The Workhorses, which is Northwest United’s nickname, will enter the game with a 1-2 record. They won their Sept. 10 opener against Platt Tech, 26-14, but lost their last two games to Cheney Tech (28-0 on Sept. 17) and Thames River (22-20 on Oct. 2).

Jay Mauro, a wide receiver for Northwest United, said his expectations for the homecoming game are simple.

“I want to play well,” Mauro said, and “to come out and get a win to represent our community. Having a big crowd there would definitely raise the energy and get the team more excited.”

As for Curtin’s prediction? “23-19 Northwest United.”