MONROE, CT — In a rematch of last year’s state playoff game with Wilton, won by the Warriors, Masuk High’s football team got some redemption to open the new season. Host Masuk prevailed 33-26 over the Warriors in a back and forth contest full of big plays.
Panther quarterback Aaron Champagne threw three touchdown passes and Max Viglione broke free for a monster 83-yard TD run, one of his two scores. Shane Walker found the end zone twice on receptions. And Luciano Longo returned an interception 23 yards for a score.
Masuk had jumped out to a 14-0 lead.
Champagne hooked up with Shane Walker on a 25 yard scoring play. The Panther defense forced a punt and Masuk took over at its own 22 yard line. A five-yard penalty backed the Panthers to their 17 but, on the very next play, Viglione broke a tackle at the line of scrimmage and broke free for his 83-yard scamper to paydirt.
Wilton scored to pull to within 14-6 after one quarter of play, but Masuk never relinquished the lead.
In the second quarter, Champagne again connected with Walker, whose twin brother Gavin Walker had a key third down conversion to keep the chains moving on this scoring drive. The extra point was blocked but Masuk again went up two scores.
Viglione had his second TD of the night, this time through the air, on a 47-yard play. It was 27-12.
After Wilton made it a one-possession game at 27-19, Longo sealed the Panther victory with a pick 6, giving the Panthers a 33-19 lead.
Stats from Masuk’s season-opening 33-26 win over Wilton:
Aaron Champagne was 13 for 16, 253 passing yards, 3 TDs, 2 INT
Shane Walker 5 receptions / 2 TDs, 178 yards, 100-plus all purpose yards
Max Viglione had 83 rushing yards, 2 TD, 100-plus all purpose yards
Luke Longo had an interception for a TD, 3 tackles
Nick Fox had 10 tackles, 1 sack
Jake Viglione made 5 tackles
Tariq Al-Hameedi had 7 tackles
Ryan Putnam had 5 tackles, 1 sack
David Marciano had 3 tackles, 1 sack
Jayden Cassese had 3 tackles
Gavin Walker had 100-plus all purpose yards
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