Masuk Free Press

On Oct. 20, Masuk football played their annual homecoming game against rival school Pomperaug. Masuk won 44-23, dominating the second half after a slow start.

Weather forecasts indicated a light rain and misting to take place during gametime. Although both teams stood at the same record on the season, Masuk felt very confident heading into the matchup. Junior cornerback Will Brewster stated “Based on our previous matchups, I feel like we’ll be alright. Our defense has been unstoppable and Aaron Champagne has stepped up. We proved we can stop the run at the last rain game, we can do it again.” Rain or shine, Masuk was ready to play and hopeful to improve to 5-1.

During the initial kickoff, Masuk set the tone for much of the game to follow, as Gavin Walker returned the kick all the way for a touchdown. Attempting to create a two score deficit in their favor, Masuk tried an onside kick and miraculously recovered it, however, it only resulted in a Masuk punt. Things would remain scoreless for the rest of the first quarter, as both teams were still finding their footing in the battle. After a series of punts and incompletions, the score sat at 7-0 heading into the second quarter.

Early in the second quarter, the Masuk defense tried their best to prevent scoring as they stopped Pomperaug short in the red zone three times before they inevitably punched it in. With the score now at 7-7, Masuk did not do much on their next possession, having to punt it away after an inefficient drive. When Pomperaug regained control, they exploited an overcommitted Masuk defense and the quarterback ran around the edge for a touchdown. At the end of the first half, the score sat at 14-7.

After an incredible first play, many believed that Masuk was going to keep it rolling. However, after the first score, Masuk was unable to produce. Senior Andrew Guerrera shared his thoughts in the packed student section, “I think it’s been a very hard fought battle, both sides have been in the trenches. We had a solid first play but after that our offense has been pretty stagnant.” Fans and players alike hoped to get the chains moving in the second half.

After the break, Pomperaug worked to maintain their lead, leaving both teams scoreless through the beginning of the third. However, senior running back Jason Champagne ripped a massive rushing touchdown halfway into the third, breaking numerous tackles along the way and dragging defenders into the endzone.

With the score, Masuk again tried for an onside kick, but weren’t as lucky the second time around. After a defensive stop, Masuk got the ball back. What looked like it was going to be another three and out soon came to life as Jason Champagne bounced outside and found running room, enough to turn on the jets and run 70 yards all the way for yet another rushing touchdown, breaking multiple Pomperaug tackle attempts.

“We really adjusted after halftime, we packed the bunch, we knew what we had to do.” says senior captain Lee Brownbill “Their runningback was big and was hard to get down, but we just got into a different mindset. We knew that coming into this game they’d be a hard team to stop, but we had a talk in the locker room and it changed the mindset.”

After regaining possession, Pomperaug found themselves in Masuk territory on a crucial 4th down. However, the Masuk defense was able to come up big and stop them just short. After getting the ball back, Masuk pushed up the field. Having not made a significant play until this point, Aaron Champagne heaved one deep for Shane Walker with four minutes left in the half, resulting in another Masuk touchdown. To increase the lead, Masuk converted for two points instead of one with Jason Champagne rushing it in to set the score at 29-14.

After a successful Pomperaug drive, their quarterback threw a questionable interception near the Masuk 20 yard line. What could’ve been a game sealing turnover in Masuk’s favor was shortly nullified by another turnover, as Masuk fumbled right around the spot of the initial pick to close out the third quarter.

Starting the final quarter with Pomperuag deep in Masuk territory, Masuk’s defense stood strong, forcing a turnover on downs for Pomperaug’s run dominant offense. However, they were backed up against their own end zone, and a costly sack led to a safety, bringing the score to Masuk 29, Pomperaug 16. After a short drive for the Panthers, Pomperaug’s run game barreled through Masuk for a touchdown, making it a one score game.

With seven minutes left in the ballgame, the matchup took a very serious turn when one of Pomperaug’s star players went down and didn’t get back up. The crowd went silent as EMT’s rushed onto the field, and it wasn’t long before an ambulance carted the player off.
“There’s no way they keep playing…” says senior Sawyer Carlson “They just carried a player out on a stretcher, they don’t want another Damar Hamlin incident.”

However, the Pomperaug player fortunately woke up before being driven out, with cheers from both student sections as the ambulance drove up the hill. After such a long delay, Pomperaug kicked it off to the Panthers, who started the drive with around 65 yards to go. Coming out of the interlude, it was junior Max Viglione that brought the game back to life, catching a 50 yard bomb that brought the Panthers into scoring position.

“That catch felt good, first half I felt terrible, I wasn’t making plays like I wanted to.” says Viglione “The second half, I knew I had to come out, and really just change the game.”

After that, Masuk’s offense and Jason Champagne took over, running through the Pomperaug defense for a 15 yard touchdown, as well as pushing through the pile for the 2 point conversion. Up 37-23, the Panthers held Pomperaug to a four and out, and Champagne continued to find his rhythm, breaking outside for a 30 yard gain. He continued his streak with a 15 yard touchdown the next play, breaking tackles before a dive into the endzone.

Holding Pomperaug to another turnover on downs, Champagne and the Panthers ran out the clock for the final few minutes, coming out with a big win against Pomperaug.

The Panthers hit the field again Friday the 27th against Notre Dame Catholic, who’s currently sitting second in the South Western Conference, and 6-0. Both teams have scored and allowed a very similar amount of points, and it looks to be the most competitive matchup for either team so far. Make sure to pop out on the 27th and support the Panthers.

Photography: Emily Barnhart