Chicago Bears 2023 Coach of the Week & High School All-Star Recognition - Week 5
The Chicago Bears have officially named head coach George Klupchak of Maine West High School in Des Plaines, as the Chicago Bears High School Coach of the Week and cornerback Justin Jones of Glenbard South High School in Glen Ellyn as the Chicago Bears High School All-Star for Week 5.
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 Maine West football program and direct a $500 donation to the youth football program of Jones' choice.
George Klupchak:
On Sept. 22, head coach George Klupchak guided his team, the Maine West Warriors (5-0), to a hard-fought 20-19 conference victory on the road against the Highland Park Giants (2-3) on Friday night. The Warriors have maintained their undefeated streak, marking the first time since 1979 that they've begun a season with a 5-0 record. During the game, they successfully prevented a two-point conversion attempt with just over a minute remaining, followed by a recovery of the onside kick, effectively running out the clock to secure the victory. Coach Klupchak, with over 15 years of coaching experience, took over the Warriors football program in 2020. Before joining Maine West, he served as head coach and athletic director at Walter Payton College Prep for five seasons, winning a conference championship and reaching the IHSA state playoffs in all five seasons. The Warriors are set to play against their rival, the Maine East Blue Demons (1-4) on Friday night, Sept. 29.
Justin Jones:
On Sept. 22, senior cornerback Justin Jones played a significant role in the Glenbard South Raiders (5-0) 63-21 home conference victory over the Bartlett Hawks (2-3) on Friday night. This win helped maintain the Raiders undefeated status and secure the top spot in their Upstate Eight conference. During the game, Jones demonstrated his defensive skills with two interceptions, four solo tackles and several pass breakups. In one of his interceptions, it resulted in a returned touchdown. Jones also contributes as a key member of all special teams unit. Off the field, Jones excels academically with a 3.57 GPA and is an active member of the school band, where he plays the French Horn and the Piano. Additionally, Jones is actively engaged in volunteer work, dedicating his time to organizations like Feed My Starving Children and various other service projects. Jones and the Raiders are focused on maintaining their undefeated streak as they prepare to face another undefeated conference rival, the South Elgin Storm (5-0), on Friday night, Sept. 29.
About "Coach of the Week" and "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. 21st. Since the program's inception, the Bears have donated more than $369,000 to Illinois high schools in support of their football programs.
For information, visit ChicagoBears.com/Community/High-School-Football.