Former Student Jonathan Cheung Attends Football Benefit
Jonathan Cheung, a Nonnewaug High School graduate, made a surprise appearance at a charity football game in Woodbury.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Football
Nonnewaug High School hosted a benefit football game in honor of recent graduate Jonathan Cheung, who is currently receiving treatment for leukemia. Cheung, who lost his appendages to sepsis, was granted a medical furlough from Connecticut Children's Hospital to attend the event.
Why it matters
The school organized the game to raise funds supporting the medical battle and recovery process for the former student. Cheung arrived at the game unannounced while wearing his jersey, number 55.
Naugatuck defeated Nonnewaug with a final score of 35-14. Notable plays included a 2-yard touchdown run by T.J. Rubsamen and a 77-yard touchdown run by Brandon Andoh.
The players
Jonathan Cheung
A 2026 graduate of Nonnewaug High School who is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia.
Nonnewaug High School
A secondary school located in Woodbury that held a benefit game to support its former student.
Naugatuck
The opposing high school football team that improved their season record to 7-0 following the game.
The details
Cheung graduated from Nonnewaug High School in June 2026 and continues to receive care for his condition. He received special clearance to leave the hospital for the weekend festivities.
Timeline
June 2026: Jonathan Cheung graduated from Nonnewaug High School.
October 30, 2026: Jonathan Cheung attended the benefit football game.
Saturday night: Jonathan Cheung planned to go trick-or-treating.
Season Trajectory
This game highlights the ongoing competitive momentum of the Naugatuck program as they remain undefeated at 7-0. Conversely, the result impacts the standings for Nonnewaug, who drop to 3-4 for the season.
The 35-14 victory keeps Naugatuck unblemished in their current standings as the season progresses. Nonnewaug now faces a 3-4 record, impacting their positioning for the remainder of the schedule.
The takeaway
Communities often utilize athletic events as a powerful tool to provide financial and emotional support for residents facing significant health challenges. These gatherings demonstrate how local sports programs can serve as a rallying point for those in need of assistance.
Further reading
For more news from the region, visit Woodbury Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New Haven Register.
