Schwartz led his squad to a 41-21 victory over Frankenmuth on Friday (Oct. 9) to improve to 6-1 on the season and claim at least a share of the Tri-Valley Conference - East title. Essexville-Garber is currently ranked No. 9 in Division 5 by the Detroit Free Press.

Schwartz is in his 11th season as head coach at Essexville-Garber where he has compiled a career record of 66-43 including nine state playoff appearances and five conference championships.

This week Schwartz and his team host Bridgeport (0-7).

COACH OF THE WEEK PROGRAM
Each week throughout the 2009 nine-week high school regular season, one coach that best develops his players' character, discipline and football skill will be recognized for his commitment to the team, school and community. The winner is selected by a panel of three newspaper writers -- Mick McCabe (Detroit Free Press), Jane Bos (Grand Rapids Press) and Hugh Bernreuter (Saginaw News).

This season's program will award $12,000 to aid in the development and promotion of high school football in the state of Michigan thanks to contributions from the Detroit Lions and the National Football League.

Each winning coach throughout the regular season will receive a $1,000 donation to his school's football program. All weekly winners will be honored at an awards ceremony during the Lions-Cardinals game at Ford Field on December 20. During the ceremony, the Lions will also introduce the High School Coach of the Year. This year's Coach of the Year will receive a $3,000 donation to his team's football program.

In addition to the monetary award, all winners receive a framed 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.

In its 13th year, the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program has awarded $246,000 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 Chad Walker at (313) 216-4000.