Capitol News

Mick Enders, head coach of Portage Central High School's football team, has been named the Detroit Lions High School Football Coach of the Week for week three of the 2025 season. The recognition comes after Portage Central's Mustangs achieved a decisive 57-0 win over Stevensville Lakeshore, bringing their season record to 3-0. The team has scored a total of 143 points without allowing any in their first three games and is currently ranked third in Division 2.

Enders is in his 26th year coaching at Portage Central and his 16th as head coach. Under his leadership, the Mustangs have made playoff appearances in 13 seasons, reaching the semifinals in 2013 and regional finals in both 2021 and 2024. His career record stands at 109-49.

Detroit Lions Football Education interviewed Enders about his team's performance this season, his connection to Portage Central as an alumnus, and preparations for their upcoming game against Battle Creek Central. Enders learned about his Coach of the Week honor during the Head Coach Hangout segment. The interview can be viewed at www.DetroitLions.com/coachoftheweek.

The Detroit Lions High School Football Coach of the Week Program, presented by Carhartt, recognizes coaches each week during the high school football regular season who demonstrate success on the field and contribute to player development and safety. The selection panel includes high school football media members Mick McCabe, Hugh Bernreuter, Bret Bakita, James Cook, and Scott DeCamp.

This year's program will distribute $12,000 to support high school football in Michigan. Each weekly winner receives a $1,000 donation for their school's football program. At the end of the season, one coach will be named Coach of the Year and receive an additional $3,000 donation. Winners also receive certificates signed by Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Now in its 29th year, the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program has awarded $515,000 to Michigan high school football programs.

"Each week throughout the 2025 high school football regular season, one coach that best demonstrates success on the field, develops players' character, discipline, and football skill in addition to emphasizing player health and safety in their program will be recognized for their commitment to the team, school, and community. The winner is selected by a panel of high school football media members—Mick McCabe (retired Detroit Free Press writer), Hugh Bernreuter (Saginaw News), Bret Bakita (WOOD Radio-106.9 FM, 96.1 FM- The Game, Fox 17/Grand Rapids), James Cook (Traverse City Record-Eagle) and Scott DeCamp (DeCamp Creative Solutions)."

"This season's program will award $12,000 to aid in the development and promotion of high school football in the state of Michigan, thanks to contributions from the Detroit Lions, the NFL Foundation and Carhartt."

"Each winning coach during the regular season will receive a $1,000 donation to his school's football program. At the conclusion of the 2025 Michigan High School Football season, the Lions will also select the High School Football Coach of the Year. This season's Coach of the Year will receive a $3,000 donation to his school's football program. All winners will receive a certificate signed by Lions' head coach Dan Campbell and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell."

"Currently in its' 29th year, the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program has awarded $515,000 to high school football programs throughout the state of Michigan. For more information on the High School Coach of the Week program, contact Chris Fritzsching, Lions' Executive Director of Football Education, at chris.fritzsching@lions.nfl.net."

For further details on this recognition or information about upcoming games or awards from this program visit www.DetroitLions.com/coachoftheweek.