Foxborough, Mass. - Following a 39-0 shutout of Sharon on Friday night, which allowed the Bulldogs to maintain their perfect 6-0 record on the year, Canton head coach David Bohane has been named this week's New England Patriots High School Coach of the Week. Under Bohane's direction to undefeated play in Hockomock Davenport Division 5 competition, Canton has now assured at least a share of the Hockomock League title for the first time since 1990.
Canton got off to a quick start against Sharon, led 32-0 at halftime before finishing the game with a 39-0 victory. Junior Kyle Fitzgerald notched the first three scores for the Bulldogs after a pair of rushing scores in the first quarter and a 64-yard punt return touchdown to open up scoring in the second frame. Fitzgerald finished the game with 153 all-purpose yards and earned player of the week nods from both the Boston Herald and the Boston Globe for his efforts. Junior Gersom Rivera also had a strong showing as he caught a 27-yard touchdown and ran the ball into the end zone from 10 yards out to expand the lead in the second quarter. With the victory, the Bulldogs improved to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in the Hockomock League and are ranked fourth in Division 5 South by the Boston Herald. Canton will have a chance to clinch the Davenport title outright with a victory over visiting North Attleborough on Friday night at 7 p.m.
Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Andre Tippett, now the team's executive director of community affairs, visited the Canton players and coaching staff Tuesday afternoon to present the Bulldogs' football program with a $1,000 donation on behalf of the New England Patriots Foundation, in honor of Coach Bohane. The visit and check presentation will be featured on the Patriots weekly television show, "Patriots All Access," which airs on Friday night at 7 p.m. on WBZ-TV in Boston and will be available immediately after on Patriots.com.
This is the 23rd year in which the Patriots have joined the National Football League in conducting the High School Coach of the Week program, which recognizes outstanding high school coaches and promotes youth football throughout New England. The 2018 season marks the eighth year that Tippett has taken the award on the road to visit the schools that benefit from the program.
"What a strong showing for Coach Bohane and the Canton football program in the victory over Sharon," Tippett said. "Congratulations to the Bulldogs for clinching a share of the league title and we wish them the best of luck in both their important game Friday night against North Attleborough and the rest of their season."
At the conclusion of the fall, one of the weekly winners will be named the New England Patriots High School Coach of the Year and will receive an additional $2,000 contribution towards the school's football program.
For the eighth straight year, the Patriots will also be accepting nominations for High School Coach of the Week honors. Those who wish to nominate a high school football coach in New England who leads a team to an exceptional weekly performance or reaches a personal career milestone is encouraged to send submissions to nominatecoach@patriots.com. All nominations must be submitted following a team's Friday night or Saturday afternoon game to be considered for that week's Coach of the Week award.
The New England Patriots Foundation is the non-profit through which the Patriots support charitable and philanthropic organizations throughout New England. This support comes in the form of direct grants, in-kind donations and player appearances. The foundation assists a variety of charitable organizations and programs throughout New England by supporting their educational, family and health initiatives.
