Masuk Free Press

The Masuk Panthers truly delivered on tonight’s homecoming and cancer awareness game, annihilating Bethel 42-0. This game was all Masuk from the start, as big plays came from big players. After weeks and weeks on the road, the Panthers had a beautiful homecoming back to Monroe. The crowd was sporting pink as far as the eye could see, and the energy was high in the student section.

Masuk started with a bang, as a tremendous opening kickoff return from Shane Walker (you’ll hear his name a lot) put the Panthers in position for their first of six scores of the night. The opening drive capped off with quarterback Aaron Champagne running for a touchdown from twenty-two yards out. Although Masuk suffered multiple false start flags early on, they turned the spirit around, shutting out Bethel the whole game, forcing all kinds of pressure and turnovers, demonstrating their ability to turn around the flags and force massive mistakes and miscalculations on Bethel’s side. 

Many of you may know the name Travis Hunter, the wide receiver on the Colorado Buffalos who also dabbles in the defensive game, playing defensive back. Well, everyone saw how Shane Walker embraced both sides of the ball as well, as he recorded two key interceptions on top of his two offensive scores, becoming a star player for both sides of the ball. Walker caught a twenty-five-yard throw from Champagne, causing Bethel to undergo a 14-0 deficit as the first quarter wound down. Speaking of dominance on both sides, Masuk’s Luke Longo recovered a fumble and ran it back for another Panthers score. Masuk proved tough on defense that whole quarter, not allowing Bethel to come close to a score. 

The third quarter proved no different, as Shane Walker caught another thirty-five-yard bomb from Champagne, and Masuk continued to keep Bethel out of the endzone as well as field goal range. To finish off the game, both Nicholas Fox and Gavin Walker found short rushing touchdowns, finishing the game. The defense played so well that all Masuk needed was a single field goal to beat Bethel had they not scored multiple touchdowns. 

Bethel was undefeated up until this game, and this game separated the good and the great, as Masuk kept on rolling, with the end goal of winning a state championship. All parts of the team were exemplary, including pass protection, offensive and defensive production, and even special teams. Despite the fact that Masuk did suffer some hiccups, such as a sack and an interception, everybody did their job and that is all one can ask for. The Panthers prowled, as cancer wasn’t the only thing humiliated Friday night. 

Bethel was undefeated, so it was important to treat them as any other: 

“We treat every team the same, every game’s a different game, [and] everyone comes out with a different intention,” explained senior Max Viglione, “considering we’re a [big-time] team, we treat every team the same and hope we can out coach them and outplay them.” 

This game also helps Masuk to retain momentum and bond together for this latter half of the season, “Yeah we’re gonna come as a team together,” said Viglione, “[and] try to really get to our final goal which is a state championship and hopefully we can make that happen.” 

Masuk senior Shane Walker also had an amazing game. “It starts in practice,” said Walker. “We all work hard, everyone helps.” Walker continued. “[It also] starts in film, as a receiver, you always have to study the defensive backs, study the safeties.” It takes no detective to identify that Masuk could squeeze this one out, but only time will tell as they continue to climb the mountain, looking for the promised land.