East Rutherford, NJ – The New York Giants and Gatorade have selected Mr. Ryon O'Connell of Peru High School (Peru, N.Y.) as the Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Week for Week 8 of the 2025 season. The Peru Knighthawks remain undefeated and improved to 7-0 with a 27-0 win on the road in AuSable Valley last Friday night. With an equally potent offense and physical defense, they have outscored their opponents 259-49 so far this season.
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 selected 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 youth football, developing motivated student-athletes, and contributing overall to their community.
In recognition of Coach O'Connell's selection as Coach of the Week, a $2,000 check will be granted to the school's football program from The Giants Foundation and Gatorade. He will also receive a certificate of recognition signed by Giants head coach Brian Daboll and will be honored at a dinner following the season, as well as a 2026 pre-season home game.
O'Connell serves as a 6th grade teacher in the Peru Central School district and has served as head football coach since 2017. In his 9 years as head coach, O'Connell's teams have won 5 Section VII class B titles, including three consecutive championships from 2021 to 2023, and advanced to the New York State Class B quarter finals 4 times. He has also had the pleasure of coaching three of his four sons, with oldest son Ryley setting the Section VII all-time passing yardage record in 2018 with 5729 yards, his second son Zach setting the Section VII single season passing touchdown record in 2022 with 34, and 3rd son Brady being honored as a member of the 2024 Heart of a Giant Team, as one of the 11 most inspiring football players in the tri-state area. O'Connell's youngest son, Easton, is currently a member of Peru's modified football team. He also serves as the head golf coach and head girls flag football coach at Peru High School. His golf team recently won back-to-back Section VII golf championships in 2023 and 2024. During the summer Ryon coaches in the Clinton County Mariners American Legion baseball program as the 15u head coach.
As testament to the team's involvement in the community, the Peru High School football team was recognized as one of the Army National Guard's "Next Greatest Generation Teams of the Year" earlier this year for their "Battle of the Blues" charity flag football game. Peru football alumni played against New York State Police officers to raise money for pancreatic cancer relief and Peru Central School District scholarship funds. The event was dedicated to the memory of New York State Police Captain Chris Garrow, a local hero and Peru alum who died from pancreatic cancer in June 2023.
"I am genuinely humbled and deeply grateful to be named this week's Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week," said O'Connell. "While my name appears on this award, I must be clear: this is not an individual award; it is a team award. It is a powerful acknowledgment of the tireless work, sacrifice, and commitment demonstrated every single day by every member of our football program. When we talk about success, we are talking about our players: past, present, and future. They are the ones who buy into
the vision, show up for summer workouts, endure the grind of practice, and execute under pressure. Their resilience, heart, and commitment to each other—not just to the scoreboard—is what truly defines our program. This award also belongs to our coaching staff. They are the backbone of this program, spending countless hours preparing, mentoring, and teaching far beyond the Xs and Os. Their dedication is unwavering, and I am privileged to stand alongside them every day. Behind every coach is a very supportive family and that rings true for me. I want to take a moment to specifically recognize my family. This game requires immense sacrifice—not just from the players and coaches, but from those who support us every day. I would like to thank my wife, Nicole, and my sons for sacrificing evenings, for driving to away games, for providing that essential encouragement after a tough loss, and for allowing us the time needed to grow the program. Finally, we would not be here without the support from our school administration and community. Thank you to our high school principal Matt Berry and athletic coordinator Amie Marshal, who support and guide our student body in the halls of Peru Central School. Football success is built on a foundation of support, and this honor belongs to everyone who fills the stands and believes in what we are building together. Thank you again for this incredible recognition. It fuels our passion to continue building a program anchored in character, discipline, and unity. We look forward to carrying that momentum forward as a team."
