The Masuk Panthers have been off to a tremendous start. Heading into Saturday’s contest against the South Windsor Bulldogs, the Panthers were 3-0 and each of their wins came in dominant fashion. This week was no different, as Masuk’s playmakers did what they do best: score points.
In the first quarter, Masuk actually turned the ball over, giving South Windsor an opportunity to score. The Bulldogs did capitalize, scoring on an outside run to take a 7-0 lead. Masuk had the ball back in an early deficit, but after senior wide receiver Tanner Walker caught a long pass from senior quarterback Aaron Champagne to the one-yard line, Champagne snuck in for the touchdown. The extra point was blocked, and South Windsor was clinging on to their lead. Masuk’s defense stopped South Windsor, and they were forced to punt. Junior wide receiver Nate O’Hara then caught another long pass from Champagne, but Masuk couldn’t capitalize in Bulldog territory, turning the ball over on downs.
Once Masuk got the ball back in the second quarter after another stop on defense, Champagne put together three consecutive long rushes, breaking tackles and making defenders miss as he scrambled downfield. Senior wide receiver Al Morgenthaler caught a screen pass from Champagne, and battled his way through contact where he was wrestled down at the one-yard line, barely missing the goal line. The captain to captain action was not over yet however, as Walker took a jet sweep handoff from Champagne, running to the outside and making his way into the endzone. Senior running back Nico Convertito barreled his way into the endzone for a two-point conversion, making the score 14-7, Masuk leading. After Masuk forced a fumble, senior lineman John Anzalone recovered the ball, setting up the Panthers in South Windsor territory. Champagne rushed in for another touchdown, making the score 21-7 after the extra point. Masuk made another stop, with pressures and tackles from senior linebackers Luke Costantini and Graham Gabriel that made Bulldog progression upfield near impossible. Once the ball was in Masuk’s hands once more, Champagne launched a deep go-ball to Morgenthalar, who hauled it in the back of the endzone, making the spectacular grab for another Panther touchdown.
Coming out of halftime the score was 27-7 in favor of the Panthers, but South Windsor made an answer with a long rushing touchdown in the third quarter. The running back broke free and bounced off of a couple Panthers en route to a touchdown. The third quarter had no further scoring, and the Panthers put the icing on the cake in the fourth. Walker hauled in two more long touchdown catches, burning his defender deep downfield. Champagne delivered on each of the two passes, and Masuk grilled up a 40 burger, commencing the game with a 40-14 win.
Masuk’s fourth win of the season is also the fourth blowout. Heading into the bye-week, the Panthers have shut down all of their opponents and handled their business. They’ve gained state recognition, sitting as the 12th ranked team in Connecticut according to Maxpreps. The Panthers will enjoy their bye-week, but then have two tough SWC tests where the Panthers will look to stay dominant. They play Bunnell on 10/16, and Pomperaug on 10/23. Both are high stakes matchups, and we’ll see if the Panthers can stay on the prowl and keep shutting down their opponents.
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