Masuk Free Press

It’s that time of the year. Football across all levels are back. First college, then the NFL, and now it’s the Masuk Panthers turn, with a well-fought battle against Wilton, which resulted in the first of possibly many W’s this season. The team was tightly focused on their first matchup, not willing to look ahead to what lay in store for them deeper in the season.  “Honestly, our goal right now is game one,” stated Masuk Head Coach Steve Christie.  “We will not look past game one. We need game one.” 

This opening matchup has hit special significance to this Masuk senior class, as it was the Wilton Warriors who took the 2023 Masuk Panthers out of the CIAC Semi Final game last year.  “I’m fully locked in,” said Tariq-Al-Hameedi.  “They took our hearts like coach said, and we’re ready to take theirs, and win it back.”

Early in the game, Sophomore quarterback Aaron Champagne popped the bottles open by throwing a deep touchdown to Senior Shane Walker for an early score. Senior Max Viglione piled on with an 83 yard run, opening up a 14-0 lead. 

Wilton responded with a sustained drive towards Masuk’s end zone, finishing it via a 1 yard rushing TD. The first quarter ended with Masuk in control of the scoreboard 14-6.

In the second quarter Champagne connected again with Shane Walker, adding on to Masuk’s lead. Wilton fought back with their second rushing TD of the game and the teams hit the locker rooms to regroup and make adjustments.

The 3rd quarter started with Masuk leading 20-12 and it looked like Masuk would control the rest of the game.  Champagne threw what seemed to be a third touchdown to Shane Walker. Unfortunately, it was called back for an illegal block in the back. Wilton’s reprieve was short-lived as Champagne threw another 47 yard bomb to senior Max Viglione to increase the score to 27-12.  

Wilton responded with another long drive and punched in a 3 yard touchdown run to make the score 27-19. Wilton’s success was short-lived, as Masuk Senior Luke Longo intercepted a pass and ran it back for another Masuk score, giving the Panthers a  33-19 lead. 

After Wilton punched in another short touchdown, making the score 33-26, Masuk was able to hold on for the remainder of the game and the game ended with a 33-26 win for the Masuk Panthers.  “It was a team effort,” said Christy, “I’m very proud of the team.”

The Panther’s start 1-0 on the year, and look to improve to 2-0 next week, as this Friday the Panthers play at Enfield looking for another victory.