Head coaches Gaven Parker of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School and Kyle Schmitt of Archbishop Spalding High School are this week’s Baltimore Ravens’ Coaches of the Week. Both men have impressive resumes within the sport and outside of it.
This week’s @Ravens High School Football Coach of the Week recipients are @SpaldingFB's Kyle Schmitt and @csd_football's Gaven Parker! Read about their virtual work in the offseason and 2020 season preparation here: https://t.co/p5jv9cre0O pic.twitter.com/BRN5R8FnIa
— Ravens Community (@RavensCommunity) November 2, 2020
Below are descriptions from the Ravens on why each man is deserving of the honor.
Gaven Parker – Cambridge/South Dorchester
Gaven Parker enters his third season as head coach of the Cambridge-South Dorchester Vikings. Parker led the Vikings to a state semi-final appearance in 2019, but since then has had limited contact with his players due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vikings players and coaching staff have had no in-person practices; however, Parker has orchestrated several outlets for players by enlisting each member of his coaching staff to touch base with a group of players, routine Hudl sessions and Google Hangouts and organizing off-site training for his team. Additionally, he has set-up college visits for his senior class, while helping them with financial aid requests for college as well. The Vikings will look to hit the field in the Spring semester to build on their playoff run from last year with many returning players.
Kyle Schmitt – Archbishop Spalding
Archbishop Spalding High School football coach, Kyle Schmitt, recently led his Cavaliers back onto the practice field in early-September. The 8th year head coach held virtual weekly meetings with each position group while away from in-person activities during the pandemic, but also made time for fun with his team as well by playing trivia games and coordinating scavenger hunts. The former University of Maryland offensive lineman carved out time in the virtual classroom to teach his players about the history of the Spalding football program with highlight videos and school alumni joining team meetings as guest speakers. The Cavaliers are currently eyeing a seven-game schedule this fall and winter beginning November 7 against Mount Saint Joseph.
Each recipient during the 2020 season will receive a $500 donation to their athletic department along with an award from Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. The Ravens will work with supervisors of athletics in each Maryland county to identify honorees.
In total, 24 coaches will be recognized this year. This season marks the 24th year of this program, which celebrates the significant influence coaches have on their student-athletes. In previous seasons, 10 coaches were recognized annually for their accomplishments both on and off the field.
2020 Baltimore Ravens Coach of the Week Winners
Week 6 – James McCormick, North Caroline HS; Phil Carr, Northern Garrett HS
Week 5 – Damian Ferragamo, Kent Island HS; Tim Small, Williamsport HS
Week 4 – Tim Palmer, Harford Technical HS; Justin Cunningham, Leonardtown
Week 3 – Tom Petre, North Point HS; Kyle Schmitt, Decatur HS
Week 2 – Rick Sneade, Calvert HS; Bobby Humphries, Governor Thomas Johnson HS
Week 1 – William Bell, Hammond HS; Reggie White, Milford Mill Academy
