It’s easy to see why Norman North product Mason Pace is the “talk of the tailgate” on Friday nights. The senior starts in the defensive secondary for the Timberwolves where he continues to make a positive impact for his team. Pace is everything you want in a teammate and someone who leads on and off the field.

“I’ve been playing football ever since I can remember all the way back to flag football,” Pace said. “What I love most about my teammates is how we are able to connect as a team and bring the energy which makes us work better as a whole.”

Friday nights in Norman are special and for the student-athletes like Pace, playing under the lights is something he will never forget.

“Friday nights are very special, it’s where I get to show what I’m made of where all the hard work from off-season comes into play and there’s no better feeling than having a perfect game and that’s what I chase,” Pace said. “My favorite moment at a game was when we were down by one point against Mustang with about one minute left in the game and Mustang was running down the field when I stripped the ball at the 10-yard line for turnover. Unfortunately, it was ruled we didn’t have enough time for a kick that our kicker would have made.”

The senior said being a student-athlete at Norman North is great and he would not want to attend any other school.

“North is a great place to be because our school is really involved in sport and school spirit and our coaches are really involved in student-athletes’ grades right before anything so they work good together here,” said Pace.

After the game, Pace and his friends like to grab something to eat and relax at home. Pace said he will miss being part of the Friday night atmosphere after he graduates.

“Something I will miss most is playing the best sport with all my hometown buddies. Nothing will ever beat that and the atmosphere of Friday nights. It’s always been the best adrenaline rush for me,” said Pace.