Foxborough, Mass. – Malden High School's Joe Pappagallo has been named this week's New England Patriots High School Coach of the Week in recognition of his team's 14-7 victory over Revere on Friday, Sept. 19. The Golden Tornadoes combined a ball-hawking defense, which returned an interception for a touchdown at the end of the first half, with a stout running game to hold on for the win and improve to 3-0 this season. The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation will donate $1,000 to Malden High School's football program in Pappagallo's name in recognition of his Coach of the Week selection.
Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Andre Tippett, the team's executive director of community affairs, visited Coach Pappagallo and his team on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Malden High. The visit and check presentation will be featured on the team's weekly television magazine show, "Patriots All Access", which airs at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, on WBZ-TV in Boston and will be available immediately after on Patriots.com.
This is the 19th year in which the Patriots join 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. Tippett oversees the program as part of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation's commitment to youth football initiatives.
"Congratulations to Coach Joe Pappagallo and his team," Tippett said. "The Malden defense really came to play on Friday, forcing turnovers, including a pick-six and allowing just seven points. The Golden Tornadoes used a solid running game and disruptive defense to secure the victory and start the season a perfect 3-0. The Patriots are proud to reward Coach Pappagallo and his team with a donation to the football program and we wish them luck the rest of the season."
At the conclusion of the season, one high school coach will be named the New England Patriots High School Coach of the Year and will receive an additional $2,000 contribution toward the school's football program.
This is the fourth year that Tippett has taken the award on the road to visit the schools that benefit from the program. This year is also the fourth year the Patriots will accept nominations for High School Coach of the Week. Anyone who knows a high school football coach in New England who has a great week or reaches a personal career milestone is encouraged to submit a nomination to nominatecoach@patriots.com.
The New England Patriots Charitable 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.
