East Rutherford, NJ – The New York Giants and Gatorade have selected Mr. Chris Pace of Masuk High School (Monroe, Conn.) as the Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Week for Week 9 of the 2026 season. Pace's Panthers improved to 6-0 this season with a thrilling 42-37 road victory over Pomperaug High School. Pomperaug also entered the matchup undefeated with a high-powered offense, but Masuk was able to add another score to secure the victory and remain undefeated. Their impressive win follows a 41-26 victory over longtime rival Bunnell, marking the Panthers' fourth consecutive game with 40 or more points scored.
The Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week Award is part of the Giants' continuing effort to support local high school football programs. The Giants elected to name the award in memory of former Union High School (NJ) coach, Lou Rettino, for his fine commitment to the game of football, his community and the betterment of his athletes' lives. Each week during the high school football season, the Giants select one area high school head coach as the Coach of the Week winner. The selection is based on the coach's continuing commitment towards promoting high school football, developing motivated student-athletes and contributing overall to their community.
In recognition of Coach Pace's selection as Coach of the Week, a $2,000 grant from The Giants Foundation and Gatorade will be donated to the school's football program. He will also receive a certificate of recognition signed by Giants Head Coach John Harbaugh and will be honored at a postseason dinner and a 2027 preseason home game.
Chris Pace was named head football coach of Masuk High School in 2025, taking over a Panthers team that had just won the CIAC Class MM championship. Pace was selected for the role based on his extensive experience as both an educator and program builder, having previously served as head coach at East Harlem Pride (2010-14), Weston High School (2014-16), Bullard-Havens Technical High School (2018-19), and Abbott Tech-Immaculate United Football (2020-24). Pace had an impressive career head coaching record of 50-15 across those campaigns. He has also served as an assistant coach at Staples High School (2017), focusing on quarterbacks and the passing game. Known for his emphasis on discipline, character development, and academic success, Pace has built a reputation for developing student-athletes and creating competitive, team-first programs. A dedicated learner himself, Pace graduated Springfield College with a bachelor's degree in physical education with a minor in health, a master's degree in multicultural education from the College of Mount Saint Vincent and another in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University Irvine.
A dedicated lifelong learner, Pace graduated from Springfield College with a bachelor's degree in physical education and a minor in health. He later earned a master's degree in multicultural education from the College of Mount Saint Vincent and a second master's degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University Irvine.
Masuk finished the 2025 season with a 5-5 record and is competing in Class M this year following a slight decline in enrollment. With this week's victory, however, the Panthers have established themselves as one of the leading contenders for a Class M championship in 2026.
"I'm deeply honored by this recognition, as there are so many great and deserving coaches across the region," said Pace. "This award is not possible without the entire Masuk football family. I'm beyond grateful to my wife and three kids for their constant support, to our dedicated coaching staff and school community. Most importantly, I'm proud of our young men who give their all for each other on the field every Friday night. It is an absolute joy and honor to have the opportunity to coach these guys every day!"
