The New York Jets have announced that Julius Montford of Central High School in Newark, N.J., has been named this week's recipient of the New York Jets High School Coach of the Week Award. For his efforts, he will receive $1,000 to benefit the school's football program and he will be presented with a certificate from the Jets.
The award, in its 17th year, is given to coaches in the tristate area who serve 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.
Montford is in his second season as head coach of the Blue Devils. He previously served as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Weequahic, for 12 seasons. He spent the past two seasons as defensive coordinator and was part of Weequahic's 2006 state sectional championship team. He got his coaching start working with the Newark Pop Warner League. His constant instruction of youth for over 20 years continues to this day with the Jackie Robinson Pop Warner League. Montford works in the Essex County Division of Training and Employment.
On Saturday the Blue Devils defeated the Verona Hillbillies, 14-7, to start the season 4-0 for the first time since 1992. It is also their first four-game winning streak since 1997. Central's next game will be on the road Friday, Oct. 5, when they face the Weequahic Indians.
