Chicago Bears 2023 Coach of the Week & High School All-Star Recognition - Week 2
The Chicago Bears have named head coach Adam Chavez of West Chicago High School in West Chicago, as the Chicago Bears High School Coach of the Week and running back Ki'On Carson of Lincoln Community High School in Lincoln, Ill., as the Chicago Bears High School All-Star for Week 2.
These recognitions are part of the Coach of the Week and High School All-Stars award programs, which are brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy. In support of these initiatives, the Bears will make a $2,000 donation to the West Chicago football program and direct a $500 donation to the youth football program of Carson's choice.
Adam Chavez
On Sept. 1, head coach Adam Chavez guided his team, the West Chicago Wildcats (1-1), to a close 27-21 home conference victory against the powerhouse Barlett Hawks (1-1) on Friday night. In just his second year as coach, he achieved the Wildcats' first-ever win against the Hawks in school history. Coach Chavez took the reins of the West Chicago football program in the spring of 2022, bringing with him 22 years of coaching experience across four different states, including Illinois, Indiana, Nevada and Florida. Since his arrival at West Chicago, he has diligently worked to increase player participation and excitement within the football program. The youth program has experienced significant growth under his leadership, as he and his staff have actively engaged with community members to help develop the sport. Coach Chavez also serves as a teacher at West Chicago, specializing in driver's education and bringing expertise in Special Education to his role. The Wildcats are scheduled to play against the Aurora East Tomcats (1-1) on Friday night, Sept. 8.
Ki'On Carson
On Sept. 1, the senior running back, Ki'On Carson, helped the Lincoln Railsplitter (2-0) to a 46-6 home conference victory against the Decatur Eisenhower Panthers (0-2) on Friday night. The Railsplitters, who have not qualified for the postseason since 1984, have started their season in the Central State Eight Conference with impressive momentum, with the help of Ki'On Carson's extraordinary performance. During Friday night's game, Carson rushed for 61 yards and scored four touchdowns, in addition to catching two passes for 74 yards and two more touchdowns. His six-touchdown performance not only secured the victory but also set a new school record for the most touchdowns in a single game. This season, he has rushed for 153 yards on 14 carries, scoring seven touchdowns, caught two passes for 74 yards with two more touchdowns, and returned a blocked punt for a touchdown, totaling 10 touchdowns in just two games from only 16 touches. The Railsplitters are set to face the Springfield Senators (0-2) on Friday night, Sept. 8.
About "Coach of the Week" & "High School All-Star":
The Chicago Bears Coach of the Week program was launched in 1996 and High School All-Star program in 2011. The Coach of the Week program honors outstanding Illinois high school coaches who develop players' football skills and knowledge, character, leadership, discipline and teamwork abilities. The nomination criteria for the High School All-Star program includes on-field performance, community involvement and good sportsmanship. Exceptional high school coaches and players who go beyond expectations are nominated by a panel of local high school sports journalists. The winning candidates are chosen each week from Aug. 25th to Oct. 21.
Since the program's inception, the Bears have donated more than $369,000 to Illinois high schools in support of their football programs. For more information, please visit ChicagoBears.com/Community/High-School-Football.