Chicago Bears 2023 Coach of the Week & High School All-Star Recognition - Week 7
The Chicago Bears have officially named head coach Michael Naymola of Huntley High School in Huntley, Ill., as the Chicago Bears High School Coach of the Week and quarterback Nick Peipert of Barrington High School in Barrington, Ill., as the Chicago Bears High School All-Star for week 7.
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 Huntley football program and direct a $500 donation to the youth football program of Peipert's choice.
Michael Naymola:
On Oct. 7, head coach Michael Naymola guided his team, the Huntley Red Raiders (6-1), to a thrilling 29-28 road conference victory against the perennial state powerhouse, the Cary-Grove Trojans (5-2), on Saturday afternoon. This significant win marks the third time in the school's history that they've defeated the Trojans and has improved them to second place in the Fox Valley Conference, right behind the Prairie Ridge Wolves of Crystal Lake, Ill. During the game, the Red Raiders scored a touchdown as time expired to narrow the score to 27-28. In a bold move, coach Naymola decided to call for a two-point conversion instead of opting for the extra point kick, a risky decision that paid off as the team executed the play perfectly, securing the victory. Naymola took over as head coach of the Huntley football program in 2022, following ten years as an assistant coach. He has been an integral part of the Huntley High School community since 2011, also serving as the school's physical education teacher. The Red Raiders are now preparing to host their conference rival, the Dundee-Crown Chargers (1-6), on Friday, Oct. 13.
Nick Peipert:
On Oct. 6, junior quarterback Nick Peipert led the Barrington Fillies/Broncos (7-0) to a close 35-31 road conference victory against the Hoffman Estates Hawks (4-3) on Friday night. This victory allowed them to maintain their undefeated record and secure the top position in the Mid Suburban West Conference. Peipert's outstanding performance included completing 33 of 41 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns. The game culminated in a thrilling finish as he scored a one-yard rushing touchdown with only 11 seconds remaining on the clock, securing the victory for his team. As per an Associated Press panel of Illinois high school sportswriters, the Fillies/Broncos were ranked 4th overall in Class 8A before the game, and this victory positions them well to potentially enhance their ranking. Peipert will continue to lead the Fillies/Broncos as they aim to remain undefeated when they host conference rival, the Palatine Pirates (5-2), on Friday night, Oct. 13.
About "Coach of the Week" & "High School All-Star":
The Chicago Bears Coach of the Week program was launched in 1996 and the 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 more information, please visit ChicagoBears.com/Community/High-School-Football.