Image courtesy of the New England Patriots

After a dominant 28-7 win over a very, very good Milford team last Friday night, longtime Natick head coach Mark Mortarelli was named the New England Patriots’ Coach of the Week for Week 4 of the season.

Hall of Fame linebacker Andre Tippett – now better known as the Executive Director of Community Affairs for the Pats – presented the award with some of the RedHawks on hand Tuesday at Natick High School. Each weekly winner also receives a $1,000 donation to the football program on behalf of the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.

This is year 29 for Patriots joining the National Football League with High School Coach of the Week program. This year is the 13th year that Tippett has taken the award on the road each week and presented it to a coach. At the end of the season, all award winners are honored during a game at Gillette and a Coach of the Year will also be name. The recipient of that honor will receive a $2,000 donation.

“The Natick RedHawks executed their game plan flawlessly. Their run game dominated, and the defense held strong against a tough Milford team. Their consistency on the ground reflects the hard work and effort from the entire team.” Tippett said in a statement released by the Patriots.

NEFJ was able to catch up with Mortarelli on Tuesday night, where he expressed nothing but gratitude to his players and their commitment to the program.

“Whenever you get an award like this, it means the team won a big game,” he said. “I’m proud of the kids for everything they give to Natick football. We have a lot of kids who take pride in playing football for Natick and right now, it’s paying off.”

The Redhawks are back in action this Friday with another huge matchup on the road against Wachussett.