The Buffalo Bills are once again proudly partnering with ADPRO Sports in 2018, to recognize some of the best high school football coaches Western New York has to offer, through the High School Coach of the Week program. Throughout the 2018 high school football season, the Bills and ADPRO Sports will recognize 11 coaches from both the Buffalo and Rochester regions on buffalobills.com. The winners will be selected by a committee of high school football experts from each region.
Winning coaches will receive a $1,000 grant for their school's football program, a framed certificate recognizing their accomplishment and an invitation to join the Bills on-field Dec. 16, for a pregame ceremony prior to kickoff against the Detroit Lions. At the game, a High School Coach of the Year will be honored from each region, with those winners receiving an additional $1,000 for their football program.
The Buffalo region Coach of the Week for Week 11 is Glen Graham, head coach of the Cleveland Hill Eagles. Graham recently led his team to a dominant 54-6 win over Letchworth-Warsaw in the Far West Regionals.
The Eagles, who have now won the Section VI title three years in a row and the Far West Regionals two consecutive years, played tough in every phase of the game against Letchworth-Warsaw. Leading the way for the Eagles on offense was senior running back Aaron Wahler. On just 16 carries, the Eagles' captain totaled 177 yards and three touchdowns. Fellow senior Javon Thomas joined the ground effort, compiling another 128 yards on 16 touches for three touchdowns.
The defense held strong, giving Letchworth-Warsaw few opportunities to find the end zone. Junior linebacker Chris Diem led the unit with seven tackles, six of which were solo.
With the victory Cleveland Hill has advanced to the New York State semifinals, where the 10-1 Eagles will take on Susquehanna Valley. The game is scheduled to take place at Union-Endicott High School on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 11 a.m.
The Rochester region Coach of the Week for Week 11 is Brennan Briggs, head coach of the Batavia Blue Devils. On Saturday, Nov. 11, Briggs and the Blue Devils enjoyed a convincing win over Cheektowaga, defeating the Warriors 56-28 in the Class B Far West Regionals. With the win, the Blue Devils remain perfect at 11-0 and move on to the state semifinals to play Skaneateles.
The top storyline from the game was undoubtedly Ray Leach. The senior running back set a new state rushing record when he recorded an astounding 417 yards rushing and eight touchdowns in the victory. A linebacker as well, Leach also managed to tackle Cheektowaga's running back in the end zone resulting in a safety.
On defense, juniors Josh Barber and Alex Rood each had five tackles, while senior safety Ethan Biscaro tallied an interception – his 11th of the season.
Fans can watch Batavia take on Skaneateles this Saturday at 3 p.m. The matchup will take place at Union-Endicott High School.
Check back on Buffalobills.com each week for the announcement of the Coach of the Week winners and tune in to One Bills Live each Tuesday afternoon to hear the winners announced on the show. Good luck to all of the high school football coaches this season from the Buffalo Bills and ADPRO Sports!
