Brookfield started that final drive at Masuk’s 10 due to a Balzi sack, followed by a Balzi pressure that forced an intentional grounding safety, which was declined by Brookfield in order to take possession deep in Masuk territory.

“Started as a freshman for us, played defensive end and linebacker. Part of our scheme, we needed to get some athleticism out there…he added some great speed off the edge,” said Brookfield Head Coach Bryan Muller about regarding his quarterback Balzi both ways.

With the 28-14 win, Brookfield moves to 9-0 heading into a Thanksgiving matchup with Bethel, and the class M (Connecticut’s 4th largest out of 6 divisions) playoffs. Masuk drops to 7-2 heading into its Thanksgiving game with undefeated Newton, and the class MM playoffs (the 3rd largest division in the state).

Prior to the two-way effort from Balzi to cap the game, Brookfield was powered by Columbia-bound running back Michael Walters and a big, physical offensive line.

“They play so hard. They’re so big, so strong, so fast, I love that line, the best I’ve had here,” Walters said of his offensive line. “We put in so much work in the weight room, and it’s all just paying off when we step on the field. We’re more physical than any team we go against….We just want the state championship, that’s what we’re looking towards.”

Walters scored the only other touchdown in the second half, running for a goal line touchdown in the 3rd quarter, followed by another Chaber extra point. Brookfield was able to start the 3rd quarter with momentum as Chase Sylvia stripped and recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff.

Masuk was able to move the ball in the second half with a combination of passing out of the shotgun to seniors Gavin and Shane Walker, and heavy running out of a double wing tight formation. Ultimately, each drive stalled, with punts, turnovers on downs, and a game sealing interception from Brookfield’s Braydon Williams.

“The defense has been lights out. Our starting defense has only given up 14 points all year…they’ve been absolutely lights out,” Muller said. “Tonight the secondary was absolutely unbelievable. Danny Lorringer, a senior three year starter at corner…Danny Ciriello another senior free safety, Tyler Buttendorf, an unbelievable junior, and then Joey Iamacelli…Payton Grabko, and Braydon who sealed the deal there, a sophomore.”

The first half was tighter. Masuk kicked off the scoring with a three-yard touchdown run from Gavin Walker, and an extra point from Luke Zylick. Walters responded with his first touchdown run of the game, but Chaber’s extra point was blocked.

Luke Longo from Masuk intercepted a pass, and Shane Walker took a screen pass 70 yards for a touchdown on the next play. Zylick followed up with another extra point, to score what would be Masuk’s final points of the game.

Walters punched in another touchdown to cap the second half, along with a two point conversion.