The Packers have announced that Cory Milz of Black Hawk High School in South Wayne, Wis., has been named the Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Week.
Milz, in his 16th year as the varsity head coach of Black Hawk, led the Warriors to an exciting last minute victory over longtime rival, Pecatonica/Argyle, on Friday, Sept. 8. Heading into the game, both teams were undefeated at 3-0.
In the final minutes of the fourth quarter, the Warriors held an 8-6 lead over the Vikings, when they fumbled on their own 1-yard line. On the next play, the Warriors intercepted the ball to regain possession, and drove down the field to extend their lead to 14-6. With 1:30 left, the Vikings answered with a touchdown and successful 2-point conversion to tie the game. On the ensuing possession, the Warriors connected on a 73-yard touchdown pass and added a 2-point conversion, recapturing the lead, 22-14. With four seconds remaining in regulation, the Vikings scored another touchdown with an opportunity to tie the game and send it into overtime with a 2-point conversion. In a thrilling final play, the Warriors were able to stuff the Vikings' attempt, winning the game 22-20.
"It was a fan favorite, that's for sure," Milz said. "They are our big rival. There's always a lot put on this game, the fact that they're our rival. The kids sometimes get overhyped for this game and can sometimes make mistakes. This game, I thought, really kind of reflected the senior leadership that we have this year. We just have some great leaders that don't let things razzle them, they stay focused, they don't panic, and I think that's what this game meant to me. I feel great for our seniors to be in the driver's seat now to win a conference championship."
Milz was born in Monroe, Wis., but graduated from Black Hawk High School in 1990. In high school, Milz was a four-sport athlete playing football, basketball, baseball and track. Milz played quarterback and safety for Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame member, Dennis Murphy. Following high school, he attended UW-Whitewater and graduated in 1994.
Milz began his coaching career in 1996 as defensive coordinator for Orangeville High School in Orangeville, Ill. He then returned to Black Hawk High School to be the team's defensive coordinator from 1997 until 2001, taking over the head coaching position for the Warriors in 2002.
"For our coaching staff and our players, (this) recognition is well deserved for them because they really do work hard and they put their heart and soul into preparing for each game during the season," said Milz. "It's just great for them to be recognized for all that hard work."
Milz and his staff oversee a program of 37 players, with 22 of them suiting up for varsity games. His assistant staff includes Mike Bainbridge, Todd Rood, Torrey Rood, Matt Burkhalter, Andrew Beach, Shane Jackson, Joe Hartwig, Charlie Anderson, and Kurt Ellefson.
Milz is also the principal at Black Hawk High School, and he and his wife, Tonya, have four kids. Their oldest two sons, Brody and Cayden, play for the Warriors. Their youngest son, Lucas, films all of the games for the team, and their daughter, Mya, is a team manager on the sidelines.
About the Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Week Program:
The Packers will recognize one outstanding high school coach as their 'Coach of the Week' winner during the 2017 high school football season. Winners are awarded several items and privileges, including a $1,000 donation to the school's football program from the Green Bay Packers and the NFL Foundation, as well as recognition of the award on Packers.com, Wissports.net and Wifca.org.
Nominations for Coach of the Week should be submitted by 10 a.m. every Monday to Ryan Fencl, Youth Football Coordinator, at coachoftheweek@packers.com. Please include the nominee's name, address, school, phone number and reason he/she is deserving of the award.
