Across the Nutmeg State, seasoned quarterbacks are turning to summer 7‑on‑7 leagues as a proving ground for both skill and leadership. These fast‑paced, non‑tackle competitions give veteran signal‑callers a chance to showcase their arm strength, decision‑making and poise while also serving as a mentorship platform for the next generation of players.
Mentorship on the Field
Matt Witteman, entering his final year as the starter for Jonathan Law, has become a regular presence at the Grip It and Rip It camp, where he works directly with younger receivers and backs. Aaron Champagne, a four‑year starter at Masuk who helped guide his team to the 2024 Class MM championship, uses the same stage to share the nuances of reading defenses and managing game tempo. Both players stress that the tournaments are as much about teaching as they are about testing.
Maddox Hoffman, who led New Canaan to a perfect 13‑0 season and a fourth straight Class L title, returned to the camp circuit to mentor teammates from other schools. Ryan Love, whose Ludlowe Falcons posted back‑to‑back playoff appearances and finished as runners‑up in last year’s tournament, brings a similar focus on confidence‑building for his peers. Easton Pace, a dynamic quarterback from Norwalk, highlights how the fast‑fire format forces him to make quick reads and keep his teammates engaged.
Preparing for the Fall
The summer camps also serve a practical purpose for coaches and programs. By watching quarterbacks, receivers and defensive backs in action, staff can evaluate talent, assess fit and plan offensive schemes before the CIAC season officially begins. The tournaments have become a staple for teams across Connecticut, offering a rare blend of competition and collaboration that many believe will shape the upcoming fall storylines.
As the final whistle of the summer season approaches, the veteran quarterbacks agree that the experience has been invaluable. Whether it’s building chemistry with new teammates, refining mechanics or simply gaining confidence, the 7‑on‑7 leagues have provided a vital stepping stone toward the first kickoff of the high school football season.