Masuk Free Press

When it rains, it pours. The Masuk Panthers proved that on Thursday, 10.30 in Stratford as they dominated the Stratford Red Devils at the mercy of the elements. Winds were soaring, rain was making the field and footballs difficult to handle, yet Masuk trusted in the trenches and prevailed. Bad weather is always good news for opposing defenses.

“Personally, I love [the rain] on the defense,” said senior captain Brayden Callahan, “ …more forced fumbles, more chances to recover the ball on defense.”

Fumbles and turnovers were definitely the story of the game, as the Panther defense forced four turnovers, one coming from senior Jake Viglione intercepting Stratford on one of the very first plays of the game. He then was able to score on a three yard rushing touchdown, putting the Panthers up 7-0. 

“[We have] some backup plans,” said Masuk head coach Chris Pace, “to make sure that we still can move the ball on offense and some on defense.” 

Viglione appeared to be injured after his dual effort, and would not return to the game. 

Once Masuk’s offense had the ball back in their hands after the defense kept Stratford at bay with big pressures and sacks from senior Nate Archer and junior Daniel Balestreire, they powered down the field in a full house formation where eventually Callahan broke free and scored on a nine yard rushing touchdown. The half ended with Masuk leading 13-0. 

The second half started with some ball security issues, as Startford forced a fumble of their own, returning it 45 yards for a touchdown, making the score 13-7 Masuk.  Masuk responded when junior playmaker Tanner Walker was able to score on a 58 yard rushing touchdown up the left sideline. He then tacked on a two point conversion, giving the Panthers a 21-7 lead. Stratford’s offense never got on track, as Callahan made a break on a Red Devil pass, intercepting it and giving the ball back to the Panther offense. Then, the Panther’s offensive line galvanized Masuk’s run game, as Walker escaped the Red Devils once more, this time from 31 yards out, making the score 27-6. Finally, senior defensive lineman Aiden Diaz’s scoop and score in the fourth quarter sealed the game for the Masuk faithful, who weathered the storm with their team. The game ended 34-6. 

The Panthers have won back to back for the first time this season. Next week, the Panthers will play at home against Joel Barlow on 11.7 hoping to extend their winning streak to three.