East Rutherford, NJ – The New York Giants and Gatorade have selected Mr. Pat Lilac of Glens Falls High School (Glens Falls, N.Y.) as the Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Week for Week 5 of the 2026 season. The Black Bears defeated Schuylerville 34-26 on the road to improve to 4-0. The contest was a matchup of defending Section II champions who both entered the game with 3-0 records. After trailing 26-14 at the half, Glens Falls scored 20 unanswered points to claim the victory.
The Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week Award is part of the Giants' continuing effort to support local high school football programs. The Giants elected to name the award in memory of former Union High School (NJ) coach, Lou Rettino, for his fine commitment to the game of football, his community and the betterment of his athletes' lives. Each week during the high school football season, the Giants select one area high school head coach as the Coach of the Week winner. The selection is based on the coach's continuing commitment towards promoting high school football, developing motivated student-athletes and contributing overall to their community.
In recognition of Coach Lilac's selection as Coach of the Week, a $2,000 grant from The Giants Foundation and Gatorade will be presented to the school's football program. He will also receive a certificate of recognition, signed by Giants Head Coach John Harbaugh, and will be honored at a postseason dinner and at a 2027 preseason home game.
Pat Lilac is one of the most successful football coaches in the history of Glens Falls High School. Taking over the program in 2000 at just 29 years old, Lilac built a championship culture that transformed Glens Falls into a perennial Section II and state contender. During his tenure, he amassed 184 career victories and led the program to two New York State Class B championships, capturing state titles in 2016 and 2018. Known for his emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and community pride, Lilac has guided the Black Bears through numerous deep postseason runs while maintaining one of the Capital Region's most respected programs. A standout high school athlete, Lilac played college football at SUNY Cortland and comes from a family of coaches. Pat and his brother Mike played for their father Mike Lilac Sr., a legendary football and basketball coach at Stillwater High School. Mike now coaches basketball and baseball at Hoosick Falls High School.
"I am greatly appreciative and truly humbled for this honor," said Lilac. "I would like to thank the New York Giants for this great recognition and their continued support of high school football. I am grateful for all of our players, coaching staff and the entire Glens Falls football family and community for their support. I am extremely proud of our players and staff for their commitment, hard work and dedication to become the best team possible every season. Glens Falls is a special place."
