Masuk Pounds New Milford In Season Opener

The Masuk High School football team (1-0, 1-0) wasted no time getting their season off to a strong start. After holding New Milford (1-0, 1-0) to three plays and out while knocking them back 12 yards, the Panthers began their first offensive series on the Green Wave's 32-yard line. One play later it was 7-0 and the route was on at Masuk Stadium Field.

Junior running back Colin Markus busted off the left side for a 32-yard touchdown run for the early lead and Masuk never looked back in their dominating 49-7 win.

The Panther defense shut down New Milford's new Wing T running attack, holding the Green Wave offense to three plays and out on five of the their first six possessions while holding them to negative yards.

Senior linebacker Kevin Costello led the way with five tackles and one sack. Senior captains Anthony Calabrese and Tim Allen also had five tackles each while John Testani had one interception.

"The defense is built on speed, we get after the quarterback, everybody can run," Masuk Head Coach John Murphy said of the unit. "Plays that look like they are there close up quick. Most of our guys are young, but they have been there before.  They are ready to go."

With the defense giving the offense good field position throughout the 1^st half, Masuk went to a balanced attack to run out to a 21-0 lead one play into the 2^nd quarter before eventually leading 42-0 at the half. 

Junior quarterback Casey Cochran who was All-SWC last year threw for 115 yards and three touchdowns while completing 11-14 passes. He also rushed for one touchdown. Markus ran for 93 yards and two touchdowns, with both players leaving the game after halftime.

"We've got a quarterback and running back out there that last year threw for 3,000 yards and rushed for 1,000 yards as sophomores, that bodes well for the future," Murphy said of his dynamic young duo. "The offense can be fun to watch."

The New Milford defense had no answers to the balanced running and passing attack of the Panthers. Masuk scored touchdowns on six of their seven first half possessions, three scores coming on the ground and three coming through the air.

Junior wide receiver Brandon Cusmano, sophomore wide receiver Thomas Milone and senior wide receiver Tyler Perimenis all scored on touchdown passes as Cochran spread the ball around.

"People will read about us and scout us and focus on Casey and our wide receiver corps," Murphy said of the strong passing attack that defenses fear. "They will find out soon if they ignore Marcus you're going to be in trouble. I can't say enough about the offensive line giving us protection and opening holes."

In the 2^nd half Masuk went to a ball control offense while resting its starters.  Junior wide receiver/defensive back Nate Coleman scored the only touchdown of the half for Masuk by bursting up the middle of New Milford's punt return coverage for a 62-yard touchdown return.

New Milford finally got on the board with 3:44 remaining in the game when sophomore James Flynn recovered a fumble and scampered 50 yards for the score.

Masuk will now shift its attention to defending South-West Conference Champion Pomperaug (1-0, 1-0) who they play agsinst Friday on the road.

"They are an excellent football team," Coach Murphy said of the team's rival. "Well coached, physical, we are going to need to play a really well. The guys are excited, we will have a good week of practice and let the chips fall where they may."

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