News

December 2, 2016

Mayor Baraka Honors Shabazz and Weequahic Football Coaches before State Championship Game

← Back to News overview

Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Director of Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services Patrick Council, and other dignitaries honored the Malcolm X Shabazz High School and Weequahic High School football coaches and teams as they prepare to face off in the New Jersey High School Championship Football game in the City Hall Press Room today. City Hall is located at 920 Broad Street.

The two teams will face off in the championship game on Saturday, December 3, at 10 a.m., at Kean University, at 1000 Morris Avenue, in Union. Tickets to the game will be on sale at the stadium on game day.

“Today we are recognizing a great moment in Newark sports history – the first time that two high schools from our great City have faced off against each other in the State Championships. More importantly, we are honoring two outstanding coaches who have inspired and mentored our young men to achieve the personal victories that are gained through teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, and commitment. These lessons learned on the football gridiron will serve them throughout their lives, putting them on the right track for personal success, and make them the next generation of Newark achievers and leaders in whatever field they enter,” Mayor Baraka said.

At the press conference, Mayor Baraka presented proclamations to the two rival head coaches – Weequahic’s Brian Logan and Shabazz’s Darnell Grant, for their work with their teams and in the community. He also commended the players from both teams for their outstanding performances and encouraged City residents to cheer both teams on. Many of the players have come from the City’s own Pop Warner Football Program.

“I am excited that so many of the players who are going to star in this championship game on Saturday learned their skills in our Pop Warner Program,” Director Council said. “This program has helped generations of Newark youth learn valuable life skills and lessons and become better human beings. Every boy who plays in Saturday’s game is already a winner and a champion.”

The two coaches have each won 100 games coaching Newark high school football teams. Coach Grant was named 2014 NJ.Com State Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Essex County Football Coaches Hall of Fame. Coach Logan is a Newark Police Detective, serving in the Crime Stoppers Unit, and has coached football for 19 years at two Newark high schools, leading West Side High School’s Roughriders to a State Championship in 2007.

Weequachic and Shabazz Championship Games