Masuk Free Press

The headline of Friday’s 10.24 SWC matchup between Masuk and Bethel was the special teams unit, who scored twice, as the Panthers rolled right over Bethel, churning up grass pedals as they motored their way to the endzone countless times. Bethel’s defense kept them in the game for as long as they could, but there was just too much Panther fire power to keep up with. 

“[We] trust in what we’ve been doing,” said Masuk head coach Chris Pace, “…we’re looking for this week to be a bounce back week.”

A bounce back is indeed what happened, as on the very first play of the game, senior defensive back Austin Keegan received the kickoff and waltzed his way right into the endzone, putting the Panthers up 7-0 within 10 seconds of the game. After a stifling defensive stop, sophomore Michael Charland bolted through Bethel’s defense scoring on a 25 yard rush. Masuk had sustained defensive prowess throughout the half, but Bethel was still hanging in there as they were only down by 14 points going into halftime. 

The second half is where the Panthers really began to erupt. Charland ran another touchdown in from 17 yards out, as he totaled 119 total rushing yards, averaging more than nine yards per carry. Masuk forced another punt out of Bethel, and this time senior defensive back Mateo Peirara bounced off of a host of Bethel tacklers and scored on a 54 punt return touchdown, putting the Panthers up 29-0 after senior wide receiver Ricardo Teixara scored on a two point conversion. Masuk’s defence still annihilated Bethel on all fronts forcing turnovers that put the ball in Masuk’s hands yet again. This time, junior quarterback Aaron Champagne delivered a 23 yard pass to senior wide receiver Jake Viglione, putting an apex on the scoring as the Panthers won 36-0. The Panther’s defense contained Bethel effortlessly throughout the entire game, as they totaled 4 sacks coming from Pereira, Vigilone, senior defensive tackle Nate Archer, senior edge rusher Adian Diaz, junior defensive linemen Daniel Balestriere, and junior linebacker Luke Constantini. Additionally, freshman defensive back Jace McGee and junior Tanner Walker split two interceptions between them. 

The Panthers will make their way to Stratford on Thursday, 10.30 in an attempt to pick up another win, which would be their first back to back win of the season.