East Rutherford, NJ – The New York Giants have selected Coach Michael Ford of Susquehanna Valley High School in Conklin, NY as the High School Girls Flag Football Coach of the Week for week 1 of the 2026 season.

The High School Girls Flag Football Coach of the Week Award is part of the Giants' continuing effort to support local high school flag football programs. Each week during the high school girls flag football season, the Giants will 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 youth football, developing motivated student-athletes and contributing overall to their community.

In recognition of Coach Ford's selection as Coach of the Week, a $2,000 check from The Giants Foundation will be given to the Susquehanna Valley High School girls flag football program. Coach Ford will also receive a certificate of recognition signed by Giants Head Coach John Harbaugh and will be honored at a 2026 Giants preseason home game..

Coach Ford has served as the high school girls flag football coach since the team was created in 2023, overseeing its development into one of the more competitive teams within New York State's Section IV. After a strong 2025 season, the Sabers have continued that momentum into 2026 with a 2-0 start, including a win over defending State Champion Owego Free Academy, the same opponent that eliminated them from last year's postseason. Through their first two games, the Sabers have yet to allow a point, outscoring opponents 50-0.

Outside of his role with the girls flag football team, Ford serves as the high school boys tackle coach and teaches physical education at Susquehanna Valley High School. Ford's dominance is just as evident with the boys tackle program, where he led the team to back-to-back state championships in 2018 and 2019. Ford was also named the NFHS New York State Coach of the Year in 2019. In addition to his teaching and coaching roles, Ford is also a basketball official and representative for Section IV in the New York State High School Football Coaches Association.

"Coach Ford exemplifies everything that we value in our athletic programs at Susquehanna Valley," said Ed Swartwout, Athletic Director of Susquehanna Valley Central School District. "He is a leader who models and stresses the values of hard work, accountability for all and positive character. He represents our school and his programs with pride and integrity. On behalf of the Susquehanna Valley Central School District, I would like to congratulate Coach Ford on this special honor!"