The New York Jets have named Gary Cassio of South Plainfield High School in South Plainfield, NJ this week's recipient of the New York Jets High School Coach of the Week award presented by Gatorade. Through Gatorade's partnership, the monetary award to benefit the school's football program has doubled to $2,000. Coach Cassio will receive a Gatorade kit, containing a cooler, fuel bars, Gatorade powder mix, squeeze bottles and much more. Along with this award, South Plainfield High School receives an automatic bid to compete in the 2019 New York Jets 7on7 Tournament. In addition, he is invited to watch the New York Jets play the Green Bay Packers on December 23rd from a luxury suite at MetLife Stadium, where he will be presented with a certificate and an award ball.
In its 23rd year, the Coach of the Week award is given to a coach in the Tri-State area who serves the best interests of the game through the teaching of sound football fundamentals, the motivation of young players to achieve and the promotion of youth football by way of dedication to their community, their school and their student-athletes.
Cassio attended Bishop George Ahr High School in Edison, NJ. While in school, Cassio played wide receiver and free safety. After graduating in 1990, Cassio enrolled into Marist College and played wide receiver for four years. Cassio graduated from Marist College in 1994, with a degree in criminal justice. Cassio began coaching youth football in 1994 and transitioned to the high school level in 2011, after being named varsity head coach of the South Plainfield football program. In addition to his coaching duties, Cassio is the Detective Sergeant for the South Plainfield Police Department. Cassio has been in law enforcement for over 23 years.
On Friday, November 2nd, the South Plainfield Tigers beat the West Essex Knights 17-16, in the opening round of the North 2, Group 2 playoffs. Their record improved to 5-4, and the Tigers will take on the Rahway Chiefs in the second round of the playoffs on Friday, November 9th at 7:00pm.
Week 1: Chet Parlavecchio Jr. – New Providence High School – New Providence, NJ
Week 2: Greg Sirico – Warwick Valley High School – Warwick, NY
Week 3: Richard DeJesus – Brentwood High School – Brentwood, NY
Week 4: Augustine Tieri – Danbury High School – Danbury, CT
Week 5: Lou Grasso Jr. – Union High School – Union, NJ
Week 6: Phil Onesto – South Side High School – Rockville Centre, NY
Week 7: Matt Fulham – Edison High School – Edison, NJ
Week 8: Mike Scarpelli – Clarkstown South High School – West Nyack, NY
Week 9: Bobby Pattison – Newtown High School – Sandy Hook, CT
