October 24 – Youth/Prep Weekly Award Winners

The Atlanta Falcons are pleased to announce the winners of the 2011 High School Coach of the Week presented by Russell Athletic, Captain in the Community presented by Russell Athletic, Youth Team of the Week and Cheer Squad of the Week for the Week of October 24.

High School Coach of the Week presented by Russell Athletic:
Franklin Pridgen of Wesleyan High School located in Norcross, GA has been selected as this week’s NFL High School Coach of the Week. This past Friday night, Wesleyan defeated Pinecrest Academy 42 -14 bringing their record to 6-2.

Each week of the season, the winner of this award will receive a plaque signed by Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith and a $1,000 grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to his school’s athletic department. The coaching staff will also receive Coach of the Week sweatsuits along with Coach of the Week t-shirts for members of the football team.

Captain in the Community presented by Russell Athletic:
The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the community winner is Jahkeem Forrester, an offensive tackle at Mount Zion High School in Jonesboro, GA.

When Jahkeem was asked, “What makes a good leader?” he responded, “A good leader is someone who is able to inspire his fellow team members to be better. A good leader is someone who is able to lead by example and to be humble when things are good and gracious when they are not. From where I come from, there is not much to be hopeful about. Giving back may inspire hope and truly make a difference.”

The Captain in the Community program recognizes outstanding high school football student-athletes around the state of Georgia that demonstrate strong leadership skills both on-and-off the field. Winners are selected by USA Football, the Official Youth Football Development Partner of the NFL. Additionally, each winner’s high school will receive a grant in the amount of $1,000 to support community initiatives courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Youth Team of the Week:
The Youth Team of the Week is the Hapeville Hornets, a 5-year-old team located in Hapeville, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth football teams around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning team’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Cheer Squad of the Week:
The Cheer Squad of the Week is the Peachtree Ridge fifth grade cheerleaders, located in Suwanee, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth cheer squads around the state of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning squad’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.