Machuga leads Bulldogs to huge "win"

The smiles on Xavier's and Devin's faces tell the whole story

Tuesday night's boys basketball game between Mansfield High School and Canton High School may have ended with the Hornets outscoring the Bulldogs by more than 20 points, but it was the Bulldogs' first two points that meant the most to everyone in CHS's Masciarelli gym.

Canton High School senior, Xavier Machuga, who has battled back after suffering a brain aneurism in 2017, made his first start for the Bulldogs and scored the first two points of the game for the Green and White in front of a massive and emotional crowd.

The entire Mansfield team wore
Soldier X shooting shirts in pre-game

Hockomock rival and defending D1 State Champion Mansfield came to town and were gracious participants in this celebration of Xavier's resilience, heart and love of Bulldog basketball. The Hornets won the tip and proceeded to score a layup before CHS senior Devin Foster dribbled down the court, found Machuga- who was under the basket- and Machuga converted on his 4th attempt. The gym erupted as all in attendance felt a sense of pride, respect, happiness and love for this amazing young man. 

Kudos to the coaches of both teams- our own Ryan Gordy and Mansfield's Mike Vaughn- two very successful coaches.  They worked together- and with their teams- to make this special moment possible. Shout out to the Hornets for playing such an important role in the moment. 

Moments like this are what makes high school athletics such an amazing platform for learning.  All of us who were in attendance are better for it. Congratulations X! Nice shot.