The Kansas City Chiefs have announced their Coach of the Week honors for the first time this season. The awards go to Smithville High School coach Jason Ambroson (Missouri) and Blue Valley Northwest coach Clint Rider (Kansas).
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.
Smithville has opened the season with two dominating wins. The Warriors beat Grain Valley 42-3 to open the season and followed it up with a 56-0 win over William Chrisman.
"What an honor to have our team and this program recognized by the Kansas City Chiefs," said Ambroson. "This honor is one that is earned by the team and through this program. We are blessed to have one another, play this great game, play together, and enjoy this journey. We thank the Chiefs for recognizing the efforts of so many."
Blue Valley Northwest started its season with a 35-21 win over Blue Valley. The Huskies outscored the Tigers 21-0 in the second half to earn the win.
"The success of our program is an indication of the amazing players, assistant coaches, managers, administration, and community here at Blue Valley Northwest," said Rider. "It is an honor to work alongside such selfless and dedicated individuals who invest so much into making Husky Nation proud. I am so grateful for their efforts in helping us Pull The Sled!"
In its 25th season, the 2021 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 12 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.
