DETROIT, Michigan — The Detroit Lions have named Mike Smith of Lapeer West High School the week three recipient of the 2013 High School Football Coach of the Week Program.

Smith led his Panthers to a 19-13 victory over cross town rival Lapeer East on September 13 to claim their third victory of the season.  This game marked the final game in the 39 year rivalry as both schools will be merging at the end of the school year.  In his 29^th season at Lapeer West, 16^th as head coach, Smith has directed Lapeer West to 11 state playoff appearances.  Smith was the defensive coordinator at Lapeer West when the Panthers won the 1995 Class A State Championship.  This Friday, Lapeer West, ranked #7 in Division 3, will look to go 4-0 as take on Flint Metro League foe Swartz Creek.

In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Smith and the Lapeer West Athletic Department are proactive in terms of promoting player health and safety.  ImPACT Concussion testing is administered for every athlete during the pre-season of their 7^th, 9^th and 11^th grade year.  Coaches and the school athletic trainer have implemented a thorough return to play protocol for concussions as well a heat and humidity policy endorsed by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.  All coaches are concussion, CPR and AED certified.

High School Football Coach of the Week Program

Each winning coach throughout the regular season will receive a $1,000 donation to his school’s football program.  At the conclusion of the 2013 Michigan High School Football season, the Lions will also select the High School Football Coach of the Year.  This season’s Coach of the Year will receive a $2,000 donation to his team’s football program.

In addition to the monetary award, all winners receive a certificate signed by Lions’ head coach Jim Schwartz and National Football League (NFL) commissioner Roger Goodell.  Winning coaches also receive a personalized game ball and a Detroit Lions “Coach of the Week” hat.

Currently in its’ 17th year, the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program has awarded $312,000 to high school football programs throughout the state of Michigan.  For more information on the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program, contact Chris Fritzsching, Lions’ Director of Youth Football, at 313-262-2248.