Staff Reports
The Tonawanda News
KENMORE —
Kenmore West head football coach Rich Harris was selected as the Week 1 High School Football Coach of the Week by the Buffalo Bills after the Blue Devils came away with a stunning 30-22 victory at North Tonawanda last Friday.
“All of the credit goes to our hard-working players,” Harris said in a release. “A coach is only as good as his players. Our student-athletes work hard year round. In the summer, they’re in the weight room at 7 a.m. Being a part of our strong football program is a big commitment, and I am thrilled our school is receiving such worthy recognition.”
An explosive tandem of juniors, running back Martin Bailey and quarterback Marcus Lobdell, coupled with a stout defensive front stymied the defending state champs in a thrilling Week 1 win.
For Harris being name the Buffalo Bills high school coach of the week, the Ken West football program will receive a $1,000 donation.
Each year, the Bills select a coach of the year from the Western New York coaching ranks that is honored by another $1,000 donation to his team team’s football program.
Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda school district Superintendent Mark Mondanaro offered his congratulations to coach Harris as well.
“Our district is proud of all of our student athletes who excel in and out of the classroom,” he said in the release. “What a way to begin the school year by beating the very best in Western New York and New York state.
Ken-Ton Director of Athletics Brett Banker agreed.
“We are proud of the Blue Devils for their big win and we look forward to an exciting year of football from both Kenmore East and Kenmore West high schools,” Banker said.
The Blue Devils travel to Niagara Falls this weekend before their home opener against Lockport next Saturday.
