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. Dan Farina of Newtown High School (Newtown, CT) as the Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Week for Week 8 of the 2023 season. In his first season as head coach, the Newtown Nighthawks are 6-0 after defeating Weston 42-7 on Friday night.  The Nighthawks have been equally impressive on offense and defense this year, averaging over 33 points per game while holding their opponents to less than 10 points per contest.

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 Farina'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 2024 pre-season home game.

Prior to taking over at the helm for Newtown, Farina served as an assistant coach for perennial powerhouse New Canaan High School since 2018.  He was their offensive coordinator the past four years, and helped the Rams win a state title last season under the direction of Connecticut coaching legend Lou Marinelli.  In addition to his current role as head coach, Farina also works as a school counselor at the Newtown High School.