Masuk Free Press

On Friday, Nov. 10, the Masuk Panthers played their final home game against the New Milford Green Wave. Quarterback Rob Klein led the Panthers to a 55-7 win over New Milford in his return to Benedict stadium after an injury.

Heading into the matchup, there was worry about the status of their team. Many had feared that the season may be cut short due to the sudden resignation of their interim coach, Brian Halapin.

Senior S-Back and safety Colin Hope stated, “We’re at the point in the season where we can run our own offense without a lot of coaching, we’re going to work and play what we’re usually good at.”

As well as this, starting senior quarterback Rob Klein would return to play in the home game after suffering an injury early in the season. In attempts to keep their playoff hopes alive, Masuk stayed determined despite the coaching controversy.

The Panthers opened up the game with a dominant drive, putting their offensive line to work as they utilized a run-heavy offense to bring Masuk up 7-0 early. 

“We’re going to stick to what we’re good at, feed Jason Champagne, and get the ball to the boundaries,” said Hope, and Masuk did just that, with Jason Champagne leading the offense down the field with multiple carries before scoring the first touchdown of the game on a 20 yard run. 

New Milford was held to a three and out, and forced to punt after a sack by Ryan Putnam to stop a third down conversion. Champagne made his presence known again with a return to the 40 yard line, yet New Milfords strong defense held Masuk scoreless on their second drive, and had to punt. New Milford was unable to hang onto the return, and Masuk recovered in Green Wave territory.

However, New Milford’s defense held them to punt once again to close out the quarter. A defensive showing for both teams, Masuk was up 7-0 at the end of the first. 

At the beginning of the second quarter, New Milford maintained their field position and punched in an early touchdown to equalize the score at 7-7. Champagne continued to drive upfield on the next possession after a lengthy kick return, granting Masuk an opportunity to score. This led to a short completion and touchdown to Shane Walker in the red zone.

After a key defensive stop brought up 4th and 12 for New Milford, Masuk regained possession and got another touchdown after a huge 70 yard catch and run by Hope, setting the score to 21-7.

On New Milford’s next drive, Masuk was able to intercept the ball and place themselves in yet another scoring position. Following the pick, Klein heaved it downfield for a massive completion to Walker, which was capped off by a rushing touchdown for Champagne. New Milford got the ball back before the half, yet the Masuk defense came up big and the clock ran out with the score set at 28-7.

The third quarter was a statement for the Panthers defense, and the Green Wave were held to a punt on all of their possessions. Masuk junior wide receiver Max Viglione brought the score up to 35-7, and Champagne brought it up to 41-7 after another three and out for New Milford. The quarter ended fittingly for the Panthers defense as they caused a strip fumble in the backfield.

In the final quarter, Walker caught another touchdown pass and set the score at 48-7. Masuk continued to dominate the matchup, and Champagne would score a punt return touchdown on the next possession for Masuk.

New Milford took the field one final time in a desperate attempt to put points on the board, although the Masuk defense continued to overpower the Green Wave, picking off a pass and effectively ending the game at 55-7. 

Seemingly shrugging off the controversy, Masuk showed up big in their final home game and senior night.

After the game, senior lineman Tristan Smith said, “We kept the game plan the same, we were running around making plays all over the field. We played a great game up front, we let one up early and then there were 55 points unanswered.”

This blowout will surely boost the Panthers spirits as they go on the road to face a fierce Newtown team, on Nov. 22.