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September 11, 2024

J.C. Harmon Football Coach Keith O’Neal Named KC Chiefs Coach of the Week

Three men stand together on a sunny outdoor sports field, posing with a framed certificate.

A football coach in a red shirt stands talking to a team of players kneeling on a turf field.

After pulling off one of the biggest wins in school history, J.C. Harmon High School Head Football Coach Keith O’Neal has been named Coach of the Week by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Former Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker Gary Spani presented Coach O’Neal with the honor on the Hawks' home field on Tuesday, September 10.

A group of people gathers on a green sports field on a sunny day, with a man in a red jersey shaking hands.

Spani presented Coach O’Neal with a certificate to recognize him and his team for their hard work. But before the presentation, Spani remarked how tough it’s been for the Harmon’s football team and program. “I know how hard it is to build a program. I know those dog days in the summer are long and hard, and, tough. You guys should be proud of yourselves,” said Spani.

A man in a red jersey with the number 59 stands next to another man holding a framed award.

J.C. Harmon played Maranatha Christian Academy in their first game of the season on Friday, September 6. Harmon beat them 52-6. It was the school’s first win in five years (1,813 days).

The huge win was also the first time the school has scored 50 or more points since the 1988 season. The 46-point margin of victory was one of the biggest wins in program history.

A person holds up a framed certificate recognizing 'Ruth O'Neal' as part of the Kansas City Chiefs Fan of the Year.

“At the end of the day, this is not my award. It’s for all the hard work these guys who are playing the game. It’s all the hard work of my coaching staff. This is showing when you put your heart into it, great things come,” said Coach O’Neal.

A large football team poses for a group photo on an outdoor turf field.

The High School Coach of the Week honor is a joint initiative between the Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League. The award is designed to honor and recognize Kansas City area high school coaches for their excellence both on and off the field.

Last year, after week three of the football season, the honor went to Washington High School Head Football Coach Camron Smith.