While the Chieftains have had a challenging schedule this season, in their home opener, they powered past the Beverly Panthers for a 20-6 win. 

  Both teams came into this game hungry for their first win. After not getting many yards on the ground the first two games, Masco’s rushing attack thrived, going nuclear for 277 rushing yards. With the rushing game having so much success, Masco did not have to rely on the passing game much as they threw only five times, completing two passes for eight yards.

  After senior kick returner Robbie Engel returned the opening kickoff 89 yards, Masco obtained all the momentum. Engel had an unbelievable game as he paired his kick return touchdown with a three-yard rushing touchdown to get the Chieftains up 14-0 early as kicker sophomore Nicco Cefalo drilled both points after attempts(PATs). 

  Near the end of the game, the Chieftains’ defense needed a stop as the Panthers were deep in the red zone. The Chieftains got the game-clinching stop when Engel picked off Beverly quarterback Brian Kessel’s pass. 

  “Both sides of the ball had high energy, our defense came out buzzing, our offense started off with a quick touchdown and put points on the board,” said Engel. “We were so much louder than[Beverly], they were kind of flat off the bat. We punched two home quick and they got one on the board but our energy was just higher.”

  Masco’s defense was coming up with big stops all day. The Chieftains’ linebacker group was headlined by sophomores Jack Fabiano and Lucas Magnifico, along with freshman Davis Deluites, as they led the team in tackles.  

  The defensive line was getting off blocks, holding their gaps, and constantly making plays. Defensive tackles sophomore Nino Stefanelli and senior Nathaniel Cantalupo both got their first starts at defensive tackle and racked up a few tackles. 

  This Masconomet defensive is full of explosive youth, containing five starting sophomores and one starting freshman. Deluties started in his second career varsity game at linebacker and punched in his first varsity touchdown from eight yards out at the end of the first half, capitalizing on a handful of massive runs from leading rusher, senior Ryhan Goncalves. 

  “The offensive line did well and hit their blocks. When the big boys eat, we feast,” said Goncalves.   

  Goncalves impressed many by going for 177 yards with some powerful runs propelling the Chieftains to the win. 

   After losing their first two games, players and coaches alike were proud to see improvements in performance.

  “Week by week we’ve been getting a little bit better. Having our first game in the NEC was important to get to the win and the first home game brought focus from the kids,” said head coach Gavin Monagle. “No true adjustments [were made], but we got the run game going pretty well, and that was good.”

   With improvements to both the offense and defense, Masconomet successfully bounced back from their loss against Winchester and defeated the Panthers. Each team is looking to get another big win.