SHS Coach Matt Bouchard ‘95 Named New England Patriots High School Coach of the Week
Witches improve to 6-0 with 48-44 thriller at Lynn Classical Friday; Winthrop next
SALEM (Oct. 17, 2023) – Matt Bouchard ‘95, in his 10th year as the varsity football coach at Salem High School, was named the New England Patriots High School Coach of the Week Tuesday in a presentation at the SHS Field House.
The presentation was led by NFL Hall of Fame inductee and former Patriots linebacker Andre Tippett, Executive Director of Community Affairs for Kraft Sports and Entertainment. With the honor, the Salem H.S. football program was presented a $1,000 donation by the Kraft Family and New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.
The presentation of the award will air during Friday’s edition of Patriots All-Access (7 p.m., CBS Boston) and be available for stream following the show on Patriots.com.
The Witches are currently 6-0, the latest victory over Lynn Classical H.S. (48-44) Friday night at Manning Field, which marked the first victory over the Rams in 19 seasons. Salem visits Winthrop H.S. Friday at 6:30.
In an honor-laden week, seniors Corey Grimes and Devante Ozuna were each named among The Boston Globe’s Division 6 Players of the Week on Sunday.
“I want to thank the Patriots organization,” said Mr. Bouchard at the ceremony, who also lauded his coaching staff, wife and players. “I know for our program this is a high honor and we’re grateful.”
In a game with eight lead changes, Salem trailed Classical 44-40 until quarterback Corey Grimes connected with Albert Pujolz with a seven-yard pass with 13 seconds left to play.
This season marks the 28th year in which the Patriots have joined the NFL in the High School Coach of the Week program, and 12th year featuring Mr. Tippett, who has traveled to each school to present the honor.
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are all passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens we view all of our work through. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff serve all of our students, regardless of ability or language. Salem Public Schools enrolls approximately 4,000 students across its eleven schools.
