The Kansas City Chiefs have announced their Coach of the Week honors for the 10th and final week of the 2020 season. The awards go to Grandview High School coach Jeremie Picard and Olathe North High School coach Chris McCartney.
As a result of this honor, both schools will receive a $500 player health and safety grant from the Hunt Family Foundation. 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.
Grandview won its first district title since 2003 with a 14-3 win over Lincoln College Prep. The Bulldogs will take on Smithville for a chance to advance to the Missouri Class 4 semifinals for the first time since 1984.
"Any accolade presented to me is a reflection of the efforts of us all," Picard said. "To me, an award like this recognizes the efforts of our entire staff, every player, and everyone who's supported us - parents, cheerleaders, alumni, administration and more. It has been a trying year for all of the obvious reasons and more, and we are beyond proud of this group. On a personal note as a rabid CHIEFS fan, it's uniquely special and a most welcomed honor."
Olathe North is back in the Kansas Class 6A semifinals for the third-straight year after a 28-21 win over Blue Valley. The Eagles lost several key contributors off last year's state runner-up squad but have still gone 8-1 with a chance to go back to the state championship game for the second-straight year.
"It is a great tribute to our players, coaching staff and community for us to receive this award from the Chiefs," McCartney said. "This year's team has done a tremendous job of just taking what they have been given and made the most of it. No excuses, no complaining, just striving to get better. We are super proud of how resilient they have been."
In its 24th season, the 2020 High School Coach of the Week 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 11 years 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.
