When you talk to Mason Frey, the first thing you notice is that he is an impressive young man.
The Navy Football commit is passionate about life and playing football at Fairfield Prep. So when he was asked about the team’s 4-7 season in 2023, he gave a very candid assessment of what was an interesting season for the Jesuits.
“Last season was very difficult for not only the team but also the school. While Fairfield Prep is historically a hockey and lacrosse school, we take great pride in our football team. After losing our first six games of the season, it was obvious that morale was down and something was not right.”
Fairfield Prep was coming off of back-to-back Class LL title game appearances. 0-6 was uncharted territory for the program but according to Frey, he and his teammates never wavered in their belief that they still had a shot at making the playoffs.
“Immediately after losing our sixth straight, my teammate’s father told us that we were not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs due to the strength of our schedule.” Frey continued: “What immediately ran through my mind was Jim Mora Sr’s rant about the playoffs. In all seriousness though, all that I cared about at that point was to win a couple of games and earn some respect for our program.”
Frey pointed out that the Jesuits’ late season run gave the underclassmen confidence and it set the table for this season.
“Collectively we were able to step up as a team, with the help of a lot of underclassmen who are returning for this year. In our last four games of the regular season we were able to completely change the culture of the team, and unfortunately fell short in the playoffs, losing to the eventual state champions, Staples, by just one point.” Frey added: “Those couple of weeks, seeing how good we could be, and how close we were really kickstarted our offseason in the right way. I really believe that the success of a team starts in its weight room culture. I’ve seen it before, both good and bad. Immediately we could see a change in the culture of our winter lifts and it seemed like a promising start. That strong work ethic continued through the spring and all summer, thanks to a lot of focus from our guys and a great strength and conditioning staff. The physical difference in our players from January to September is remarkable, with my teammates becoming noticeably bigger, faster, and stronger.”
Fairfield Prep returns a talented senior class with several talented skill players back. On paper, the Jesuits have enough returning talent to get the program back on a championship track. Frey talked about some of his teammates and what the expectations are for them this season.
“We have an incredibly explosive receiving corps, with guys like Kyler Robinson with track speed and great hands, as well as Finbar Malloy, my teammate since the fourth grade and one of the best technicals receivers I have ever seen. Our quarterback Robbie Manning is extremely versatile, being elusive in the pocket while having the ability to throw a ball on a dime. With a running back like Vinny Lombardo, our offense becomes even more dynamic, along with the physically largest offensive line we’ve had in as long as I can remember. I may be biased but I believe that Prep’s defense has always been it strong suit but I can’t imagine that will change this year with guys like TJ Cirilli, Anthony Dorsi, and Lukas Elliott back there. While we always enjoy being underestimated by the rest of the state, I am very confident that we are set up for a good year.”
Based on that response, Frey might have a future in scouting or broadcasting if he wants it. In June. however, he committed to the Naval Academy, which is the perfect fit for him based on what he was looking for in a school. Frey visited Annapolis and fell in love with the school. He attended the Army-Navy game at Gillette Stadium in December and that sealed the deal for him.
“My interest in the Naval Academy began before my football recruitment even began actually. I had asked my parents if we could see the school in the winter of my Sophomore year, and we stopped there on a drive to Virginia. Immediately I was intrigued and my interest in the school only increased. I was fortunate enough to attend the Army-Navy game in Foxborough this past December and I don’t think I will ever see a cooler environment, until I will be on the field for the game. There are many reasons I know that the Academy is the right place for me. “ Frey continued: “Immediately the first thing I think of is the long line of very successful men and women who come out of the academy to serve their country. I take great pride in my commitment to serve my country after graduating and I know that it will provide many opportunities for my future. I am excited for the rigor of the classes, and I believe that I will learn a lot about myself while there. From a football aspect, I wanted to play football at the highest level that I could and I think playing in a very competitive conference like the AAC is the right spot for me.
“The locker room culture at Navy seems very unique and special considering the fact that they do not accept transfers. I love the entire coaching staff there and they made me feel very special in the recruiting process. Coach MacDonald was my first contact at Navy and I could not have asked for someone better. Coach Newberry seems like a very cool guy and a natural leader of the team who everyone respects tremendously. Finally, I cannot wait to play under Coach Volker, the linebacker coach. He is very dedicated to his players and coaches them hard on the field, but cares about them like his own off of it. Ever since I committed I have been able to put all of my focus and energy into my upcoming senior season which has been very nice.”
Frey is recognized as one of the best players in Connecticut. He is proud of the recognition he has received as a player the past two years, but he knows that he couldn’t do it alone. It takes a great support system and he has it.
“I take pride in the recognition I have received as a player along with great humility and thankfulness. I am blessed to be in the position that I am in and would not be able to do so without my family, coaches, and God.” Frey added: “I could not be where I am today without my parents, and their eternal support of my football journey, and for them to send me to such an amazing school like Prep. I would also not be here without the coaching staff at Prep, such as Keith Hellstern, our head coach. Furthermore my defensive coordinator, Justin Thomas who has been a coach of mine since middle school. He has built a winning tradition within the Prep defense, sending more players to play in college than any other high school coach I can name at Prep. We also run a very elaborate and complex defense, which I can only imagine rivals many division one programs. I believe faith has a strong role in football success, and Fairfield Prep does an incredible job of fostering that with pregame masses and prayers.
“Before every game we say a Hail Mary as a team and in that moment it feels bigger than just the game of football. Many people like to tell me I am lucky to be where I am, and yes, luck does play a role in it, but they have no idea what goes on behind the scenes.
While it may sound cliché, I believe that there is not much that can’t be attained through hard work and discipline. While I may be lucky to be 6’2 while my father is only 5’8 (Don’t worry its a running joke in our family), luck has nothing to do with the hundreds of hours spent in the weight room with my teammates and brothers, or the late night field sessions and garage lifts with my former teammate and current UConn linebacker Jon Morris. There are many players in Connecticut that deserve just as much attention as I, if not more. While it is finally starting to gain some of the recognition it deserves, Connecticut high school football really does have some talented players and hidden gems that are truly overlooked.”
As for his last season at Prep, the goal is simple for Frey. Return the football program to prominence. That has been his motivation all off-season and with him leading the way, the Jesuits are in good hands.
“There is nothing that takes up more space in my mind than the idea of winning a state championship for Prep this year. Ultimately that is without a doubt the main of the entire season this year. Coming so close the last 3 years has never left my mind, nor the minds of my teammates. We are standing on the shoulders of generations of great Fairfield Prep players of the past, a place where it would mean more to win a state championship than anywhere else. I had many opportunities to leave Prep and attend a private boarding school, possibly reclassifying. While that would have likely helped my college recruitment, I never considered it for a minute.
“The same way I am fully committed to the Naval Academy, I am equally as committed to finishing my journey at Prep the right way. I have played with many of my teammates since the age of ten and I believe this would be a fitting way to end our time together. I have never been more confident in our odds, and while there are many great teams in the state this year, and it will be by no means easy, I do believe that this is our year.”