It's a good time to be Boonville High School football coach, Darin Ward. His Pioneers are 3-0 to start the season for the first time in over a quarter of a century, they beat Jasper Friday night, a feat that hasn't happened in the regular season since the 2004, and now his accomplishments are being recognized across the state after being named this week's Coach of the Week by the Indianapolis Colts.

Team owner, Jim Irsay, announced the award Tuesday on Twitter:

According to the team website, coaches are "selected by a panel of football media, former athletic directors and other football representatives from across the state," and "are evaluated on various factors including the coach’s impact on his team, school and community, as well as performance of the team."

The honor comes with more than just an "'atta boy," at the end of the season each coach receives the following:

  • A $1,000 donation from the NFL Foundation
  • A framed certificate signed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Colts general manager Chris Ballard, head coach Frank Reich, and youth football commissioner Mike Prior.
  • A $1,000 donation to the school's athletic fund from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Congratulations to Coach Ward and everyone involved with the Boonville football program! The Pioneers will look to go 4-0 on the season when they host Harrisburg, Illinois Friday night.

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