Masuk Free Press

The Masuk Panthers home opener against the Stratford Red Devils on Thursday, 9.10 was an offensive fury by the Panthers. Masuk put up seven touchdowns, making the final score 49-7. All of the Panther stars were in full effect, making plays on both sides of the field. 

Masuk’s first offensive drive took very little time to get moving, and after a pass from senior captain quarterback Aaron Champagne to senior captain wide receiver Tanner Walker set the Panthers up deep in Red Devil territory, senior running back Nico Convertido rushed up the middle for the first score of Masuk’s season. Sophomore kicker Kenny Hoyos knocked down the PAT, and subsequently was perfect thereafter. Stratford’s offense then stalled for their first drive, after their heavy running formation was getting nowhere behind Masuk’s front seven. Masuk got the ball back deep in their own territory, and ended up having to punt the ball back to Stratford. After some back and forth, Masuk had the ball at the beginning of the second quarter, and Champagne on the quarterback run bulldozed his way into the endzone for the Panther’s second score of the night. Masuk then got its first of four interceptions on the night, this one coming from Walker. It was a touchdown saving play, and then the Panthers marched right down the field where Walker then made another catch, this one for a touchdown. 

“We’ve worked a lot on our chemistry and worked together as a team, which helped us a lot in this game,” said Walker, “It’s not just my performance, but everyone’s performance was really good, and that helps us a lot in these types of situations.”

Masuk kept Stratford on their heels all night long, as the quarterback turned part-time linebacker Champagne was able to nab the Panther’s second interception of the night, making a break on the ball and picking off the short passing attempt. 

“Being able to play quarterback on offense, linebacker on defense, I’m really just able to read their offense [be]cause, I understand all of it,” said Champagne, “that’s one of the main reasons I got that pick there.” 

Masuk scored yet again, this time sophomore two-way player Jace McGee catching the pass from Champagne and taking his way into the endzone. All of this, and we still have another half of football to go.

Masuk started out the second half right where they left off, as their third interception came from junior playmaker Nate O’Hara. After a couple penalties by Stratford, Masuk found themselves in scoring range once more, with Convertido catching a wheel route concept in the endzone by Champagne. Stratford then finally got on the board, with the quarterback taking off for a long rushing touchdown, making the score 35-7. Masuk scored twice more in the game, one coming from Walker again, and the last was senior wide receiver Al Morganthaler catching a screen pass from Champagne and taking it all the way for a touchdown. The final score of the game was 49-7. For two years in a row, head coach Chris Pace has had the Panthers blowing out their opening opponent.

“These guys know what our ultimate goal is, and they’ll enjoy tonight,” said Pace, “I’m super proud of them.”

On defense, Masuk had outstanding help from their front seven and defensive backs. Senior captain linebacker Luke Costantini had the final of the four interceptions throughout the game, and was a field general for the Panthers on defense. Senior captain defensive linemen Daniel Balestriere and fellow defensive lineman Deavan Jean Baptiste clogged all running lanes for Stratford. Senior captain Alex Tiago joined by Balestriere and the rest of the offensive line opened up running lanes for the Panthers and gave Champagne ample time to deliver. The Panther o-line did not concede a single sack the whole game.  

The Panthers’ next game will be against North Haven at home on 9.18. Make sure to continue supporting Masuk as they try to continue their winning ways.