Week 1 - Tarig Holman (9/7)
The New York Jets named Tarig Holman of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Edison, NJ High School Coach of the Week Game Changer presented by Visa for Week 1. Coach Holman will receive a $2,500 donation to benefit the school's football program. Along with the monetary award, St. Thomas Aquinas High School receives an automatic bid to compete in the 2023 New York Jets 11-ON Tournament.
Coach Holman will be invited to attend the New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions game on Sunday, December 18th where he will be honored on-field at MetLife Stadium. Finally, St. Thomas Aquinas High School will receive tickets for Coach Holman's players to support his recognition.
In its 27th year, the Jets High School Coach of the Week Game Changer presented by Visa award is given to a coach in the Tri-State area who serves the best interests of the game through the teaching of sound football fundamentals, the motivation of young players to achieve and the promotion of youth football by way of dedication to their community, their school, and their student-athletes.
Coach Holman attended Randolph High School in Randolph, NJ. He now enters his first year as head coach of St. Thomas Aquinas, taking over for late Brian Meeney, who passed away unexpectedly last March at 46. Holman has a combined 23 years of coaching experience, including ten as a head coach. On Friday, August 26th, St. Thomas Aquinas lost an emotional game to Timber Creek paying tribute to the late Coach Meeney during the game. Following the game, Coach Holman gathered both teams to talk about Coach Meeney and what he meant to everyone who knew him. Holman played cornerback at the University of Iowa where he picked off Tom Brady twice against Michigan and holds the single game interception record. In 2000, Holman was signed as a draft free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but suffered a career-ending injury shortly after his NFL debut. He began his coaching career in South Brunswick and spent three seasons as Montgomery's defensive coordinator. He earned his first head coaching position with Trenton, where he led the team to a 15-6 record in three years before returning to his alma mater for two seasons.
Week 2 - Philip McGuane (9/13)
The Jets announced that Philip McGuane of Middlesex High School in Middlesex, NJ has been named the High School Coach of the Week Game Changer presented by Visa for Week 2. Coach McGuane will receive a $2,500 donation to benefit the school's football program. Along with the monetary award, Middlesex High School will receive an automatic bid to compete in the 2023 New York Jets 11-ON Tournament.
Coach McGuane will be invited to attend the New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions game on Sunday, December 18th where he will be honored on-field at MetLife Stadium. Finally, Middlesex High School will receive tickets for Coach McGuane's players to support his recognition.
Coach McGuane grew up in Ayer, Massachusetts and played collegiate football at the College of Holy Cross. Coming out of retirement, McGuane enters his first year at Middlesex, but brings over 40 years of coaching experience to the Blue Jays. On Friday, September 2nd, Middlesex topped Bound Brook in a 27-0 shutout to seal McGuane's 100th career win and 1st victory leading the Jays. Upon moving to New Jersey, McGuane began his coaching career as an assistant at Scotch Plains-Fanwood. Within two years, he earned his first head coach position at Whippany Park. From 1994 to 2011, he led South Plainfield and is the school's all-time win leader with 73. In 2012, McGuane left the program to coach his son at Dunellen, where he is also a longtime resident of over 30 years. He is a former English and social studies teacher. In his now full-time role with Middlesex football, McGuane has established a morning weightlifting program.
Week 3 - Mike Scarpelli (9/21)
The Jets announced that Mike Scarpelli of Clarkstown South High School in West Nyack, NY has been named the High School Coach of the Week Game Changer presented by Visa for Week 3. Coach Scarpelli will receive a $2,500 donation to benefit the school's football program. Along with the monetary award, Clarkstown South High School will receive an automatic bid to compete in the 2023 New York Jets 11-ON Tournament.
Coach Scarpelli will be invited to attend the New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions game on Sunday, December 18th where he will be honored on-field at MetLife Stadium. Finally, Clarkstown South High School will receive tickets for Coach Scarpelli's players to support his recognition.
Coach Scarpelli grew up in West Nyack, New York and is a 1992 graduate of Clarkstown South High School. He played running back and defensive back and is now in his 20th season as head coach of his alma mater. On September 9th, he led Clarkstown South to a 38-37 win in double overtime against rival Harrison High School. The Vikings defense came up with a big stop on Harrison's 2-point conversion attempt to seal the game. It was their first win of the season. Scarpelli attended Manhattan College and then pursued a master's degree from Hofstra University. While in graduate school, he took his first coaching position at Horace Mann School, where he was named head coach in 1998. Scarpelli is a physical education teacher at Clarkstown South High School. He is also a longtime Jets fan.
Week 4 - Dennis Hard (9/28)
The Jets announced today that Dennis Hard of Westwood High School in Westwood, NJ has been named this week's High School Coach of the Week Game Changer presented by Visa. Coach Hard will receive a $2,500 donation to benefit the school's football program. Along with the monetary award, Westwood High School will receive an automatic bid to compete in the 2023 New York Jets 11-ON Tournament.
Coach Hard will be invited to attend the New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions game on Sunday, December 18th where he will be honored on-field at MetLife Stadium. Finally, Westwood High School will receive tickets for Coach Hard's players to support his recognition.
Coach Hard grew up in Little Ferry, NJ and attended Ridgefield Park High School. As a Scarlet, he played offensive and defensive tackle, then continued his playing career as an offensive guard at William Paterson University. Hard has a combined 43 years of coaching experience including 22 as a head coach. On September 16th, Coach Hard led his team to 34-7 victory over rival River Dell to notch his 100th career win. In 2015, Hard was named Westwood's 15th head coach after previously serving as a Cardinal's assistant. He also spent two years at Weehawken and 12 at Wallington. As an assistant, Hard had stints at Paramus Catholic, Bergen Tech, and Wayne Valley. Westwood has not beat River Dell since 2014. This latest win ties their series, known as Bird Bowl, at 21 wins each.
Week 5 - Mike Drury (10/5)
The Jets announced today that Mike Drury of Southington High School in Southington, CT has been named this week's High School Coach of the Week Game Changer presented by Visa. Coach Drury will receive a $2,500 donation to benefit the school's football program. Along with the monetary award, Southington High School will receive an automatic bid to compete in the 2023 New York Jets 11-ON Tournament.
Coach Drury will be invited to attend the New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions game on Sunday, December 18th where he will be honored on-field at MetLife Stadium. Finally, Southington High School will receive tickets for Coach Drury's players to support his recognition.
Coach Mike Drury grew up in Bristol, Connecticut and graduated from Bristol Central High School, where he earned All-State honors in both football and wrestling. Drury was later a standout linebacker at Marist College, serving as a team captain and receiving 1st Team All-MAAC and All-American honors. He is now in his 11th season as head coach of Southington High School football. On September 23rd, Drury led the Blue Knights to a thrilling 29-28 upset over No. 1 ranked Greenwich after trailing by 21 in the first quarter. This was Drury's first win over a FCIAC team since 2019. In 2011, Drury was hired as the state's youngest head coach. Since, he has led the Blue Knights to back-to-back state championships in 2013 and 2014 and 10 playoff appearances. On September 16th, Drury earned his 100th career win and ranks fourth all-time for winning percentage in Connecticut. Drury is also a special education teacher at Southington High School.
Week 6 - James Magazine (10/12)
The Jets announced today that James Magazine of Paterson Eastside High School in Paterson, NJ has been named this week's High School Coach of the Week Game Changer presented by Visa. Coach Magazine will receive a $2,500 donation to benefit the school's football program. Along with the monetary award, Paterson Eastside High School will receive an automatic bid to compete in the 2023 New York Jets 11-ON Tournament.
Coach Magazine will be invited to attend the New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions game on Sunday, December 18th where he will be honored on-field at MetLife Stadium. Finally, Paterson Eastside High School will receive tickets for Coach Magazine's players to support his recognition.
James Magazine grew up in Paterson, New Jersey and is a 1995 graduate of Paterson Eastside High School. Magazine was the starting quarterback and continued his career as a three-year starter at American International University. He is now in his fourth season as head coach of the Ghosts. On September 30th, Eastside handed Ridgewood their first loss of the season in a 12-10 upset that came down to the final play. Magazine took over for his alma mater in 2019 but has been a coach at the school since 2012 when he joined the staff as an assistant. In his first year as head coach, Magazine led the team to their first playoff appearance since 2007.
Week 7 - Frank Robinson (10/19)
The Jets name Frank Robinson of William Hall High School in West Hartford, CT this week's High School Coach of the Week Game Changer presented by Visa. Coach Robinson will receive a $2,500 donation to benefit the school's football program. Along with the monetary award, Hall High School will receive an automatic bid to compete in the 2023 New York Jets 11-ON Tournament.
Coach Robinson will be invited to attend the New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions game on Sunday, December 18th where he will be honored on-field at MetLife Stadium. Finally, Hall High School will receive tickets for Coach Robinson's players to support his recognition.
Frank Robinson grew up in West Hartford, CT and is a 1987 graduate of Hall High School. Robinson was the starting quarterback and continued his playing career at Springfield College. He is now in his 23rd season as head coach of the Titans. On October 7th, the Titans handed Glastonbury their first loss while earning their first win of the season in a 21-3 upset. Robinson took over for his alma mater in 1999 after serving as an assistant there for two years. Previously, his father was the head coach of Hall Football for 30 years.
Week 8 - Todd Romano (10/26)
The Jets name Todd Romano of James Caldwell High School in Caldwell, NJ this week's High School Coach of the Week Game Changer presented by Visa. Coach Romano will receive a $2,500 donation to benefit the school's football program. Along with the monetary award, Caldwell High School will receive an automatic bid to compete in the 2023 New York Jets 11-ON Tournament.
Coach Romano will be invited to attend the New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions game on Sunday, December 18th where he will be honored on-field at MetLife Stadium. Finally, Caldwell High School will receive tickets for Coach Romano's players to support his recognition.
Romano grew up in Caldwell, NJ and is a 2001 graduate of James Caldwell High School. Romano was a star linebacker and running back, earning First Team All-Conference and First Team All Essex County accolades before continuing his football career at The College of New Jersey. In his first year as head coach, Romano has led his team to a 7-0 start and extended the state's longest winning streak to 22 in a row. On October 15th, the Chiefs beat Cedar Grove 28-7 to maintain their perfect season. The Chiefs' defense held Cedar Grove-the highest scoring offense in the SFC- to just seven points, which was the lowest they've scored since 2018.
Week 9 - Harold Clark (11/2)
Jets named Harold Clark of Teaneck High School in Teaneck, NJ this week's High School Coach of the Week Game Changer presented by Visa. Coach Clark will receive a $2,500 donation to benefit the school's football program. Along with the monetary award, Teaneck High School will receive an automatic bid to compete in the 2023 New York Jets 11-ON Tournament.
Coach Clark will be invited to attend the New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions game on Sunday, December 18th where he will be honored on-field at MetLife Stadium. Finally, Teaneck High School will receive tickets for Coach Clark's players to support his recognition.
Harold Clark grew up in Hackensack, NJ and is a 1982 graduate of Hackensack High School. In high school, Clark was a versatile athlete, breaking school records as a running back on the varsity football team, and in track. He continued his athletic career at Montclair State University, where he was a defensive back and punt returner. From 1985 to 2006, Clark held the highest punt return average in school history. Following graduation, Clark competed in semi-pro football and flag football before joining Teaneck High School's football program. On October 22nd, Teaneck dominated Fair Lawn in a 39-13 win, extending their win streak to six in a row. Since stepping down in 2019, Clark returned this season and has led the Highwaymen to a 7-1 start – their first winning season since 2007.
Week 10 - Joe Cutrona (11/8)
The New York Jets named Joe Cutrona of Wood-Ridge High School in Wood-Ridge, NJ this week's High School Coach of the Week Game Changer presented by Visa. Coach Cutrona will receive a $2,500 donation to benefit the school's football program. Along with the monetary award, Wood-Ridge High School will receive an automatic bid to compete in the 2023 New York Jets 11-ON Tournament.
Coach Cutrona will be invited to attend the New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions game on Sunday, December 18th where he will be honored on-field at MetLife Stadium. Finally, Wood-Ridge High School will receive tickets for Coach Cutrona's players to support his recognition.
Coach Cutrona graduated from Paramus Catholic in 1998 and was an All-County wide receiver. He played a key role in the Paladins offense and as a junior, led the Paladins to their first ever state championship. He continued his playing career at Iona College, followed by William Paterson University, but ultimately suffered a career-ending knee injury. Cutrona brings 20 years of coaching experience to Wood-Ridge, where he started his first head coaching position in 2021. On October 28th, Cutrona led the Blue Devils to their first playoff win in program history in a 44-28 victory over Shabazz. The team finished with 8-2 record on the season.
2022 Coach of the Year - Clive Harding (12/14)
Clive Harding of Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn, NY has been named this year's recipient of the New York Jets High School Coach of the Year award. Harding will receive a monetary award of $2,500 to benefit the high school's football program. Along with this award, Boys and Girls High School will receive an automatic bid to compete in the 2023 New York Jets 11-ON Tournament. In addition, Coach Harding will be invited to attend this weekend's game where he will receive luxury suite tickets and be honored on-field at MetLife Stadium. Boys and Girls High School will also receive 70 tickets to attend the game.
In its 26th year, the Coach of the Year award is given to a coach in the Tri-State area who serves the best interests of the game through the teaching of sound football fundamentals, the motivation of young players to achieve and the promotion of youth football by way of dedication to their community, their school, and their student athletes.
The Jets have also nominated Coach Harding for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award. Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year nominees demonstrate a commitment to the health and safety of their players as well as the exemplary characteristics of Coach Don Shula.
Harding attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, New York, where he was an all-city running back and linebacker. Following graduation, Harding continued to play football at Wagner College, but transferred after one year to John Jay College, where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice. He joined Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn in 2007. Two years later, Harding was named head coach of the Boys and Girls varsity football team, where he has been for the last 13 years. The team finished 10-1 on the season. Harding is now retired, but previously served on the NYPD for 20 years.
