Monroe — Juan Roman has tried to get through to his New London High School football team the need to do things, in his words, "the right way."

Roman's words have yet to register with the Whalers.

New London was overwhelmed Friday night by Masuk 50-0 in a nonleague game at Benedict Field.

The Whalers never crossed midfield. They managed just 61 yards.

The Panthers (2-0), ranked eighth in The Day's Top 10 state coaches' poll, did almost anything they wanted to against New London (1-1).

"I'm not putting this on the kids," Roman said. "This is from the top to the bottom a terrible performance.

"I'm not one of those guys that says we lost because the kids didn't do their job. Obviously, I didn't do my job to prepare them, get them to where they needed to come out here and play the No. 8 team in the state."

Roman was displeased with his team after last week's 38-14 season-opening win over Waterford. It didn't matter that the Whalers led 32-0 at halftime; Roman didn't like their attitude.

Masuk was not a team New London could play at anything less than maximum effort. It was one of three teams that challenged four-time defending CIAC Class L champion New Canaan last season and has the talent to make a run at a state title.

Matthew Hersch completed 18 of 23 passes for 330 yards with four touchdowns and an interception for Masuk. He also scored on an 8-yard run.

"You know, there are a lot of Disney movies that show teams that aren't very good and don't work hard," Roman said, "and all of a sudden, they go out there and miraculously win.

"We had a bad week of practice. We had a bad bus ride here. We acted like we were the New England Patriots."

Ryan Shaw had seven catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns for the Panthers. Nicholas Lorusso added five catches for 134 yards and two scores.

Mike Zuk (2 yards) and Thomas Juliano (1 yard) also ran for touchdowns for Masuk.

"I am surprised the game ended this way," Panthers head coach Joe Lato said. "I know Juan Roman over there is a great coach and he brought a lot of pride back to the program.

"I'm kind of shocked."

New London hosts Bacon Academy next week (Sept. 22).

"(If) you're going to walk around pumping out that chest, you better damn deliver," Roman said. "And we didn't deliver tonight. At all."

n.griffen@theday.com