Masuk Free Press

The Killingly Trailblazers were ranked number seven in the state, while the Masuk Panthers were 10 spots behind, sitting at 17. Friday night’s matchup on 10.17 between these two opponents proved especially difficult for the Panther’s, as they fell to the Trailblazers in a blowout 42-7 loss, dipping back below a .500 winning percentage for the second time this season.

Masuk’s gameplan was to slow down Killingly’s superb playmaker, Hayden Allard.

“We’re trying to get 11 guys to the ball,” said Masuk head coach Chris Pace, “They’re very good at what they do, running the football, and that’s our game plan to try to slow them down and get them into something a little bit more uncomfortable…”

Allard, who has averaged about 180 rushing yards per game and leads the team in both interceptions and touchdowns, was a difficult problem to plan for. 

“Our guys fly around on defense,” said Pace. 

In the first quarter, Killingly strung together a bunch of big plays to cap off a huge 21 point first quarter, while Masuk had its turnover struggles. Following a blocked punt, Killingly began their offensive production deep in Masuk territory, capping off the drive with Allard bullying through the Panther’s defense, into the endzone and giving Killingly a 7-0 lead. On Masuk’s next drive, they were able to get down field marginally, but an interception from junior quarterback Aaron Champagne erased all of that, as the interceptor was Allard who brought it all the way back for a pick-six, upping the ante to 14-0. Allard also had another rushing touchdown to cap off the quarter. 

The second was like the first, except there were a few passing touchdowns as well. Aiden LaMotte caught a 23 yard pass from Hunter Allard. Masuk’s offense simply could not move the ball whatsoever, as sacks and turnovers plagued them all night long. Hunter Allard was on the receiving end of Killingly’s next touchdown, coming from Quinn Summer. That was the end of the impactful first half, and Masuk had serious work to do if they were to get back into this game, as they trailed 35-0. 

The second half was less flamboyant than the first, but nonetheless Masuk was unable to put any points on the board. Killingly reached the crescendo of their scoring with Hayden Allard running for yet another touchdown. Masuk did get on the board in the fourth quarter with a Champagne pass to sophomore running back Michael Charland for 14 yards. The game concluded there, and Masuk’s tumble led them down to a record of 2-3, while Killingly stayed undefeated. 

Next week, the Panthers will try to get back on track on 10.24 in an away contest against Bethel.