The Giants Foundation and Gatorade to contribute $2,000 to the football program.
East Rutherford, NJ – The New York Giants and Gatorade have selected Mr. John Acquavita of Newington High School (Newington, NY) as the Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Week for Week 10 of the 2024 season. The Nor'easters continued their impressive season on Saturday, improving to 7-0 with their fifth shutout win, defeating the RHAM Raptors 29-0 at home. The defense had four interceptions, four sacks and two fumble recoveries on the day. Newington has scored 163 points in seven games, while conceding just 17 points to their opponents in Acquavita's second season as their head coach. The results demonstrate an amazing turnaround from the team's 2-8 season just one year ago, and a 3-7 record the year before Acquavita's arrival.
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 Acquavita'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 2025 pre-season home game.
While new to Newington, Acquavita is no stranger to Connecticut high school football. In 25 seasons as head coach in New Haven, Acquavita has compiled a record of 134-118-1 with three state titles for the former Hyde High School. He was named the 2000 New Haven Register Coach of the Year and in 2017 he was a finalist for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association's Coach of the Year. He is a loving husband to his wife Amy, and the proud father of their three daughters, Emily, Julia, and Annie. He is also proud to serve as a New Haven public school teacher for 34 years.
