The Kansas City Chiefs have announced their Coach of the Week honors for the eighth week of the 2019 season. The awards go to Lathrop High School coach Chris Holt and Lawrence Free State High School coach Kevin Stewart.
As a result of this honor, both schools will receive a $500 player health and safety grant from the Hunt Family Foundation. Each school will also receive a Gatorade Sideline Kit, including coolers and Gatorade products. Additionally, both coaches will be presented congratulatory footballs autographed by Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid and a certificate recognizing their selection.
Both coaches are now qualified for the Eric Driskell Coach of the Year Award, which will be voted on later this fall. The Eric Driskell Coach of the Year Award is selected by a panel comprised of the Missouri and Kansas Boards from the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association. One coach will be selected from the pool of weekly winners and will be honored at the 2020 Pro Bowl as the Eric Driskell Coach of the Year.
Holt's team completed its second-straight undefeated regular season with a 56-12 win over East Buchanan. The Mules have won 19-straight regular season games, dating back to the end of the 2017 season.
"It is just a reflection of the hard work by our players and staff for the work we have put in to building the program at Lathrop," Holt said. "We strive to be the best in every way."
The Firebirds' first-year coach got the biggest win of his young career with a 31-30 victory over rival Lawrence. Free State handed the Lions their first loss of the season after rallying back from being down 21-10 at the half.
"Any individual awards and accolades are always a result of great effort and passion from each of the team members," said Stewart. "Our coaching staff, senior class, and entire team deserve all of the credit for the successes of this season. I'm grateful for this experience. It's amazing the things that can happen when you believe."
In its 23rd season, the 2019 High School Coach of the Week Fueled by Gatorade is a joint initiative of the Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League. This program is designed to recognize and reward Kansas City area high school coaches for superior performance on a weekly basis while honoring individuals who are shaping today's youth and tomorrow's leaders.
The Kansas City Chiefs partner with PrepsKC to select Coaches of the Week from Missouri and Kansas each week. PrepsKC is the only complete multimedia coverage of high school football in the Kansas City Metro. For the last 10 seasons it has combined a dynamic web site, weekly magazine and comprehensive weekly radio show. More information about PrepsKC, including scores, schedules and coverage can be found at www.prepskc.com.
