The Masuk (Monroe, CT) varsity football team will host Bunnell (Stratford, CT) in a home playoff game today at 12:30 PM at Masuk High School. This game is part of the 2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets for CIAC Class MM.
Bunnell vs Masuk High School Football Game Info:
What: Connecticut High School Football
Who: Bunnell vs Masuk
When: Sunday, December 8, 2024
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class MM
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Bunnell vs Masuk
The Masuk (Monroe, CT) varsity football team will host the Bunnell (Stratford, CT) Bulldogs in a highly anticipated playoff game today at 12:30 PM at Masuk High School. This matchup is part of the 2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets for CIAC Class MM.
Bunnell vs. Masuk Football Game Info:
- What: Connecticut High School Football
- Who: Bunnell vs. Masuk
- When: Sunday, December 8, 2024
- Time: 12:30 PM
- Bracket: 2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class MM
- Live Stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Bunnell vs. Masuk
The Bunnell Bulldogs come into this game with a strong 9-2 record and a solid playoff position. They finished the regular season with a 5-2 record in the league and are coming off a 5-0 record at home. Their offense, led by quarterback Steven Mendoza and running back KK Smalls, has been a key factor in their success, averaging 31.6 points per game. Bunnell’s offense is balanced, with 235 rushing yards per game and 154 passing yards per game, making them a well-rounded team that can attack from multiple angles. However, their defense will face one of the most potent offenses in Class MM.
Masuk enters the game with an 8-3 record, coming off a solid season where they posted a 4-3 mark in league play. Although they had a tough loss to Bunnell earlier in the season, they have proven themselves as a competitive team. Masuk’s offense, led by quarterback Aaron Champagne and wide receiver Shane Walker, has averaged 33.5 points per game and has been effective in both the passing and running game. Champagne leads the way with 214.4 total yards per game, while Walker has contributed 111.3 receiving yards per game.
Team Comparison: Offense & Defense
- Offensive Statistics:
- Bunnell: 389.0 total yards per game (235.0 rushing, 154.0 passing)
- Masuk: 314.5 total yards per game (107.7 rushing, 206.7 passing)
Bunnell has the edge in rushing yards, with 235.0 yards per game, led by Smalls’ 107.4 rushing yards per game. However, Masuk has a more potent passing attack, with Champagne averaging 214.4 total yards per game, contributing significantly to their offensive output.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Bunnell: 83.1 tackles per game, 2.7 sacks per game
- Masuk: 61.3 tackles per game, 3.0 sacks per game
Bunnell’s defense has been strong, with 83.1 tackles per game, but Masuk’s defense has been slightly more effective in pressuring the quarterback, averaging 3.0 sacks per game. Both teams will rely on their defenses to make key stops, especially in the second half of the game.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, with mixed results. In their contests against Brookfield, both teams were defeated, but Bunnell lost 21-0, while Masuk lost 28-14. When facing New Milford, Bunnell won 49-0 while Masuk triumphed 42-7. However, both teams faced Newtown and suffered significant losses, with Bunnell falling 60-29 and Masuk losing 35-18. These games show that while both teams have been competitive, they have had challenges against the top teams in the league.
Key Players to Watch:
- Bunnell:
- KK Smalls (RB): With 107.4 rushing yards per game, Smalls will be a key factor in Bunnell’s offensive attack.
- Steven Mendoza (QB): Mendoza has been efficient, averaging 151.8 passing yards per game and leading the Bulldogs to success this season.
- Masuk:
- Aaron Champagne (QB): Champagne has been a dual-threat, contributing both in the air and on the ground, and will need to lead his team offensively.
- Shane Walker (WR): Walker is Masuk’s top receiver, with 111.3 yards per game, and will be a major target for Champagne.
Conclusion
This Class MM playoff matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, as both teams are looking to make a deep run in the postseason. Bunnell’s balanced offense and strong defense will face off against Masuk’s explosive passing attack and solid defensive play. While Bunnell enters the game as the winner of their earlier meeting, Masuk’s ability to adapt and make plays in key moments will be crucial to their chances of advancing. Fans should expect a hard-fought, high-energy game as these two talented teams battle for a spot in the next round.
