NEW YORK –– Jan. 21, 2026 –– The NFL has announced New York-based high school officiating crew members Larry Carpenter, Chris Ellis, Jessy Jolicoeur, Steve Matthews, Jeff Reynolds and John Simons as the High School Officiating Crew of the Year. Nominated by the New York Giants, the NFL recognized the crew for their performance and contributions to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association during the 2025 season.
"The NFL's partnership with NFHS remains an essential component of how we support the football ecosystem at every level," said Roman Oben, NFL vice president of football development. "By recognizing outstanding high school officials, we're reinforcing the importance of education, development, and game integrity, while celebrating the individuals who help make the game better each week."
The Giants recognized the winning crew during their Week 16 home game with custom made jerseys. The crew was nominated as Crew of the Month in November.
"The New York Giants are proud to partner with the NFL and NFHS to honor these exceptional officials," said Tara Belinsky, New York Giants community and youth football manager. "Officials are as essential to our great game as the players and coaches. Their responsibility to ensure that games are fair and athletes are safe has never been more of a priority. Their attention to detail and commitment to bettering the game of football is not only making an immediate impact on student-athletes but overall communities. We are indebted to this group of officials who have given their all to the game and are excited for those who will follow in their footsteps."
As part of the ongoing partnership between the NFL and the NFHS to increase participation in, and recognition of, high school football officials, the NFL has identified three major areas of support, including recognition, mentorship, and campaign support. The participating clubs collaborated with surrounding NFHS member state high school associations to fulfill the initiative's mission.
"The NFHS is proud to honor the Crew of the Year from New York, representing the Giants," said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, NFHS CEO. "These officials selflessly serve the game of football in their communities as interscholastic officials and are outstanding ambassadors of the game. They are excellent representatives of the state of New York, the NFHS, and the officiating family, and their service both on and off the field is worthy of this national honor. The NFHS is grateful for their work in education-based athletics, and we are proud of the example they set for the schools and student-athletes they serve, as well as their officiating peers. We are excited to see the growth of the joint NFHS/NFL officiating initiative over the past three years and look forward to honoring more officials like this outstanding crew from New York in the future."
The following 18 NFL clubs participated in this initiative in 2025 with partnership from their state football associations:
- Atlanta Falcons
- Buffalo Bills
- Carolina Panthers
- Chicago Bears
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Green Bay Packers
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Minnesota Vikings
- New Orleans Saints
- New York Giants
- New York Jets
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Washington Commanders
