MONROE, CT — Masuk fell behind 21-3 to a tough Wilton football team in the rain, while hosting a semifinals matchup in the Class MM playoffs Sunday, but the momentum began to shift in the third quarter.
The Panthers made a defensive stand deep in their own territory, then quarterback Rob Klein threw a deep pass down the middle of the field, hitting wide received Shane Walker, who got behind two defensive backs and raced to the end zone for a 94 yard touchdown.
Jackson Zylick, who made a 28 yard field goal to put Masuk up 3-0 in the first quarter, kicked the extra point to narrow the gap to 21-10.
The Panthers forced a punt and returned the ball to Wilton’s 22 yard line. A score would get Masuk back into the game and within striking distance of taking the lead.
But Masuk’s offense couldn’t cash in.
Forced to go for it on fourth down in their own territory several times as the clock was running out, the Panthers ended up losing possessions to Wilton, who took advantage of the great field position to score three more TDs in its 35-10 win.
Wilton will advance to the Class MM Championship game against defending champion North Haven at Central Connecticut State University’s Arute Stadium in New Britain next Saturday.
During a season with coaching controversies off the field, the Panthers’ players showed tremendous character and resolve, finishing with a 9-3 record, including a 42-21 victory over Cheshire in a quarterfinals game at home on Nov. 28.
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