(WRGB) — The New York Giants and Gatorade have named Zach Gobel, Averill Park’s High School football coach, as the Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Week for Week 2 of the 2025 season. Gobel’s team, the Golden Knights, impressive win over the Lansingburgh Knights 39-0 in their season opener.

The 2025 season marks a period of transition for Averill Park, which has moved to Class B and changed its team name. Despite these changes, the program, under Gobel’s leadership, has not finished below .500 since 2015. Gobel has been a pivotal figure in maintaining the team’s winning tradition, having led them to their first Section 2 Class A championship in 2024.

The Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week Award, named in memory of former Union High School coach Lou Rettino, recognizes coaches for their commitment to youth football and community development. In honor of Gobel’s achievement, The Giants Foundation and Gatorade will award a $2,000 check to Averill Park’s football program. Gobel will also receive a certificate signed by Giants head coach Brian Daboll and will be honored at a post-season dinner and a 2026 pre-season home game.

Gobel, who has been with Averill Park since 2009, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. Gobel said,

I am extremely honored to have been selected as the Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Week. I’d like to thank the New York Giants for selecting me, however this is a team award. Football is a player’s game, and our team went out and executed the game plan on Friday evening against a tough Lansinsburgh team. I am also extremely fortunate to have a dedicated coaching staff of ten assistant coaches, many of who have been around the program for years. In fact, four of them came up through the program playing at Averill Park. We are also fortunate to have a great youth program here in Averill Park that feeds into our program. Lastly, I need to thank my wife and three sons for letting me coach the sport that I love. Without their help and support I would not be able to do what I do.

Mark Bubniak, Director of Athletics, praised Gobel’s dedication. Bubniak said,

I can’t think of a more deserving coach to receive this award. Coach Gobel has a relentless work ethic that ethic rubs off on his players and the rest of the staff. He has built a solid tradition here at Averill Park and it is not uncommon to see many of his former players here at a game on Friday night.

Gobel, who also coaches indoor and outdoor track and field, holds a career record of 90-60 and has led Averill Park to three consecutive Section 2 Class A Super Bowl appearances.