Image courtesy of the New England Patriots 

As if winning a milestone game as a high school head coach isn’t special enough, being recognized by the Patriots days later is a cool way to cap things off.

Last Friday, Wachusett beat rival Algonquin in a bit of a shootout, 32-27. Not only did the victory move the Mountaineers 4-3 with the playoff push now in full gear, but it was Mike Dubzinski’s 200th career win, a feat reserved for some of the best of the best in the history of Massachusetts high school football.

Running back Jon Linberg had two rushing TD’s, quarterback Thomas Anderson threw three touchdowns and Logan Dennett recovered a big fumble to help secure the victory.

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

“Achieving 200 victories is a testament to Coach Dubzinski’s leadership, dedication, and hard work of the young men who have come through the program,” Tippett said in a weekly statement released by the Patriots. “This accomplishment reflects a commitment to excellence, not just on the field, but in shaping strong, resilient individuals.”

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.

Wachusett has one game remaining in the regular season, a home matchup with a very good Walpole team this Friday night at 7:00. The MIAA postseason begins a week from Friday.