Harding named Kansas City Chiefs Coach of the Week

Louisburg head coach Drew Harding poses with his team for a picture after he was awarded the Kansas City Chiefs Coach of the Week award prior to Tuesday’s practice.

If winning an overtime game on the road last week wasn’t good enough, the Louisburg football team got even more good news Tuesday — more specifically the coaching staff.

Louisburg head coach Drew Harding was named as the Kansas City Chiefs Coach of the Week for the state of Kansas after he led his team to a 28-27 overtime win over previously unbeaten Eudora last Friday.

Harding has guided the Wildcats to four consecutive wins after losing their first game of the season to Rogers Heritage (Ark.). Louisburg now sits atop the Frontier League standings with a 4-0 record in league play.

Former Kansas City Chief player Gary Spani presented Harding with the award prior to the team’s practice Tuesday and the Louisburg first-year coach knows this is more than just about himself.

“I would say I was surprised to receive the award and it is an honor,” Harding said. “However, this is much more of a team award than it is a me award.  The award should go to the players who worked hard all week to learn and execute the game plan on Friday night. 

“All the assistant coaches should also be highlighted as they were the ones who taught the game plan to players throughout the week.  We are happy to receive this award to highlight the players’ hard work and preparation for last Friday’s game.”

With the honor, Harding received a plaque from the team, along with a signed ball from Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.

It didn’t stop there. 

Louisburg High School will receive a $500 grant from the Hunt Family Foundation. Harding is now qualified for the Eric Driskell Coach of the Year Award, which will be voted on later this fall. The Eric Driskell Coach of the Year Award is selected by a panel comprised of the Missouri and Kansas Boards from the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association. 

In its 26th season, the 2022 High School Coach of the Week is a joint initiative of the Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League. This program is designed to recognize and reward Kansas City area high school coaches for superior performance on a weekly basis while honoring individuals who are shaping today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders.

The Kansas City Chiefs partner with PrepsKC to select Coaches of the Week from Missouri and Kansas each week.