Below is from the Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears announced today that head coach Mike Fitzgerald of York High School in Elmhurst has been named the Chicago Bears High School “Coach of the Week” for Week 6 and quarterback Zach Hinds of Riverton Community High School in Riverton was named the Chicago Bears “High School All-Star.” The “Coach of the Week” and “High School All-Stars” programs are brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy. The Bears will make a $2,000 donation to the York High School football program and direct a $500 donation to the youth football program of Hinds’ choice.
About “Coach of the Week” & “High School All-Star”
The Chicago Bears “Coach of the Week” program was launched in 1996 and “High School All-Star” program in 2011. The “Coach of the Week” program honors outstanding Illinois high school coaches who develop players’ football skills and knowledge, character, leadership, discipline and teamwork abilities. The nomination criteria for the “High School All-Star” program includes on-field performance, community involvement and good sportsmanship. Deserving high school coaches and players are nominated by a panel of local prep authorities and the winning player is selected each week from August 27-October 23. Since the program’s inception, the Bears have donated more than $326,500 to Illinois high schools in support of their football programs. For more information, please visit chicagobears.com/community.
Mike Fitzgerald
On Oct. 2, Fitzgerald and the York varsity football team (6-0) won their away conference game against Glenbard West (5-1) of Glen Ellyn by a score of 12-10, keeping the Dukes undefeated season alive. Glenbard West was ranked No. 9 in the AP Class 8A poll until their first defeat to York. Both teams went into this game undefeated seeking to stretch their perfect run this season. Fitzgerald has been head coach of York since 2018. Previously, he was an offensive coordinator and social studies teacher for Naperville North High School. York High School is now ranked No. 8 in the Class 8A poll and will host Hinsdale Central (5-1) on Friday.
Zach Hinds
On Oct. 1, the senior quarterback led the Hawks (3-3) to a 52-24 away game conference victory against PORTA/Ashland-Chandlerville Central (0-4) of Petersburg. The second half started with a tight score of 26-24 until Hinds put on a great performance with 26-0 run to seal the victory for the Hawks. Hinds threw for seven touchdowns during the game; he completed 19 of 28 passes for 370 yards and ran for 59 yards. Hinds has passed for a Springfield-area best 1,951 yards and 22 touchdowns this season. He also has 551 rushing yards and five TDs. Riverton will host New Berlin/Franklin/Waverly (1-5) on Friday.
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2021 Chicago Bears Coach of the Week Winners
Week 5 – Matt Miller, St. Ignatius Prep
Week 4 – Corey Olson, Palatine HS
Week 3 – Dave Mills, Wauconda HS
Week 2 – Dennis Piron, Batavia HS
Week 1 – Peter Panagakis, Wheeling HS
2021 Chicago Bears High School All-Star
Week 5 – Chase Hanson, Mascoutah HS
Week 4 – Marco Maldonado, Loyola Academy
Week 3 – Hector Ramirez, Chicago Academy HS
Week 2 – Kaiden Miller, Grayslake Central HS
Week 1 – Hank Beatty, Rochester HS
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