In the case of Masuk High football, coming off a state championship last autumn, the Panthers are in rare company. They are one of last year’s six state class winners — having captured the Class MM crown — but also have a fresh new look.
“Honestly, I can’t explain the excitement to get the opportunity to coach this high school program,” said Pace, who previously coached for the Abbott Tech-Immaculate of Danbury squad from 2020-24.
Pace continues to work as a physical education and health teacher at Abbott Tech in Danbury. His past coaching experience includes leading another SWC program, Weston, from 2014-16.
Pace played at Wolcott High and Springfield College. A versatile player, he started his collegiate career as a quarterback and finished as a defensive end.
The new coach is asking his players to make the most of their opportunities.
“We stress to the guys working as hard as they possibly can and focusing on the things in their control — getting the best out of them each and every day,” Pace said.
Working hard and doing things the right way will lead to success, the coach notes. The Panthers will lean on several newcomers to the starting lineup as they navigate a tough schedule in and out of the conference.
“Last year was an unbelievable year for these guys,” said Pace, adding the Panthers will look to maintain their winning ways and will rely on a lot of player contributions along the way.
“We want to be a team full of leaders. I think for us to be successful this year it’s going to be different guys stepping up,” Pace said. “We’ve got a lot of talent — a bunch of guys in different positions on both sides of the ball.”
Masuk is led by captains Brayden Callahan (linebacker), Liam Whalen (offensive lineman) and Jake Viglione (wide receiver and linebacker).
Quarterback Aaron Champagne will take the snaps and guide the offense.
“He can sling the ball. He’s a general out there,” Pace said.
Other key players, the coach said, include Daniel Balestriere (offensive and defensive lineman), Aidan Diaz (defensive lineman) and Michael Charland (running back who started the championship game as a freshman).
The season kicks off Friday, Sept. 12, with a visit to Holy Cross at Municipal Stadium in Waterbury at 6:30 p.m.
Masuk’s first home game and SWC clash is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 19, when Bunnell of Stratford comes to town at 7 p.m. Then comes another home game out of conference as Darien visits Friday, Sept. 26, at 7.
Among the games to circle on the schedule are an Oct. 17 visit to Killingly at 6:30 and the annual Thanksgiving Eve matchup with rival Newtown, Wednesday, Nov. 26, in Newtown at 6 p.m.
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