Burzawa earns Bears' award

Mike Burzawa of Driscoll Catholic High School has been named Chicago Bears High School coach of the week.

The Highlanders upset Montini Catholic High School 13-7 on Saturday. The win helped Driscoll secure the Suburban Catholic title in front of 4,000 fans.

Burzawa has won two state championships as head football coach at Driscoll and is favored to win his third. The school has won six titles in a row, breaking a state record of four.

He is a highly respected young coach who has the respect of his players and the support of the community.

In honor of Burzawa, $1,500 will be donated to Driscoll's football program. Burzawa will be invited to the Bears-Giants game on Sunday, Dec. 2, and will be recognized in an on-field ceremony that day. Honorees will also receive a framed certificate and will attend a Bears practice and "chalk-talk" with Bears coach Lovie Smith.

The Bears' coach of the week program is in its 12th season this year. The program honors outstanding Illinois high school coaches who develop players' football skills and knowledge, character, leadership, discipline and teamwork abilities. Other criteria considered include graduation rates, coaching technique, school and community support, volunteerism, and, most importantly, contributions to players' long-term success on and off the field.

Coaches are nominated by a panel of local prep authorities and Bears staff, and the winning "Coach of the Week" is selected each Monday. The Chicago Bears will make a $1,500 contribution to the football program at each winning coach's school.