MONROE – When it comes to Masuk football, the Walker name is synonymous with success.
Following in the footsteps of his older twin brothers Gavin and Shane, senior receiver Tanner Walker is shining to begin the 2026 season.
Walker scored two rushing touchdowns, had over 100 yards receiving, and even threw a 36-yard pass in Masuk’s 28-14 win over North Haven on Thursday.
“Tanner is a tremendous football player, and everything that shows up on the field is a result of his hard work year-round,” Masuk coach Chris Pace said. “We have a lot of guys that teams have to prepare for when playing us. He is a piece of the puzzle on offense and defense that makes us go.”
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Walker’s performance follows a Week 1 victory in which he posted 112 receiving yards with two touchdowns.
“It is not just me,” Walker said. “My blockers are the reason I can catch the ball and get yards after the catch. Our coaching staff runs wide receiver drills, which helps me get better every day. And I have to shout out my brothers. They inspired me, we have trained together and that is why I am as good as I am.”
Walker’s two touchdowns were the first two scores of the game, putting Masuk ahead 15-0. A 1-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Aaron Champagne made it 22-0 at halftime.
Champagne connected with Albert Morgenthaler in the third quarter to extend Masuk’s lead.
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The defense, which allowed just seven points in Week 1, allowed only a pair of second-half touchdowns after the Panthers were already up 28-0.
“I am so proud of these guys, they came out against a North Haven program that has established itself year after year,” Pace said. “We knew we were in for a battle, and these guys responded. The energy and intensity we are bringing to practice, it is translating on game day. I am at a loss for words with how proud I am of these guys.”
Masuk (2-0) will face Joel Barlow next Friday in an SWC contest, while North Haven (0-2) will look to get on the right track with another difficult matchup against No. 4 Hand also next Friday.
Player of the game
Tanner Walker, Masuk: The senior ran for the first two touchdowns of the game, had over 100 receiving yards and threw a 36-yard pass in the 28-14 victory.
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Quotable
“It is not just me. My blockers are the reason I can catch the ball and get yards after the catch. Our coaching staff runs wide receiver drills, which helps me get better every day. And I have to shout out my brothers. They inspired me, we have trained together and that is why I am as good as I am.”
– Tanner Walker, Masuk.
Masuk 28, North Haven 14
NORTH HAVEN 0 0 7 7-14
MASUK 8 14 6 0-28
M-Tanner Walker 15 run (Aaron Champagne run)
M-Walker 4 run (Kenneth Hoyos kick)
M-Champagne 1 run (Kenneth Hoyos kick)
M-Albert Morgenthaler 4 pass from Champagne (kick failed)
NH-Sean Millman 11 run (Eli Reynolds kick)
NH-Millman 24 run (Reynolds kick)
Team records: Masuk 2-0, North Haven 0-2.
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This article originally published at Masuk football rides Tanner Walker’s all-around performance past North Haven.
