Masuk Free Press

The Masuk versus Newtown cross-town rivalry has never been short of a spectacle. Their annual Thanksgiving Eve matchup almost never disappoints. Stakes are always high, and players love to bookend their respective regular seasons. With a win, the Panthers could still play some more football, barely squeaking into the postseason with a record of 6-4, barring a win. The Nighthawks could secure a home game in the Class L playoffs if they were victorious. 

“This game itself brings so much emotion, rivalry and tradition,” said Masuk’s head coach Chris Pace, “but there’s obviously added stuff to it with playoff implications.”

This year on 11.25, the game was played at Newtown high school where the Nighthawks saw victory as they dominated the Panthers, 34-13.

The contest was close through halftime, as when the Nighthawks took possession first in the game the kicker Jacob Roszman was knocked down a field goal, taking a 3-0 lead. Newtown then had a long sustained drive where they eventually motored through the endzone behind an eight yard run from Nick Pavia. The Nighthawks already had a 10-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Panthers put themselves on the scoreboard indebted to junior wide receiver Tanner Walker catching a 14 yard pass in the middle of the endzone from junior quarterback Aaron Champagne for a touchdown. Newtown was now back on offense, and a 40 yard pass took them to the redzone wherein four more plays they scored on behalf of Cole Stockwell catching a 16 yard pass from Marcus Gerace for another touchdown. The Nighthawks closed out the half after that score, and heading into the tunnels the score was 17-7, Newtown ahead. 

In the second half, Masuk never really got back on its feet. A costly interception thrown by Champagne gave the Nighthawks another possession, as the return placed the offense at their own 45 yard line. Another large pass got Newtown down the field quickly, and the Nighthawks capitalized with Grady Marks catching a 22 yard pass from Gerace. The score was now 24-7, and Masuk had a three possession deficit to erase. The Panthers responded with quick throws for long gains and quickly found themselves in striking distance. Champagne then threw a fade ball to senior wide receiver Jake Viglione who caught it over a defender for the score from 16 yards out. However, the extra point was blocked and the score was now 24-13, Masuk still trailing. Newtown was now back on offense, and another big play in the air had them in the red zone yet again. However, they could not score a touchdown and they had to settle with a field goal, making the score 27-13. 

The fourth quarter brought desperation out of the Panthers, as after yet another stalled drive, Masuk went for it on fourth down where they were stopped. Fortunately for Masuk, they forced a punt out of Newtown and had the ball back. Newtown’s defense locked down and forced a second interception out of Champagne. After an exchange of empty drives between both teams, Newtown put a crescendo on the scoring off of Pavia running for 56 yards and a touchdown. That score was effectively the dagger, as Masuk had no time to mount a comeback. The game ended there with a score of 34-13, Newtown victorious. 

The Panther’s season ends with a 5-5 record, and in the coming years they will have a foundation to build on as they look for improvement. Newtown finishes 8-2 and secures their home playoff game.