July 03, 2025
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L-P’s Jose Medina named Bears High School Football Coach of the Week

By Kevin Chlum

L-P head coach Jose Medina hugs his player Eric Lane after defeating Kaneland 21-20. (Scott Anderson)

After leading La Salle-Peru to a 21-20 come-from-behind victory over Class 6A No. 9-ranked Kaneland in the season finale, L-P football coach Jose Medina has been named the Chicago Bears High School Coach of the Week.

“I am truly honored to receive the award and grateful to represent L-P and our community,” Medina said. “Football is a team game, and I share this award with the L-P football team and the L-P football coaching staff.”

The Cavaliers trailed, 20-7, in the fourth quarter before Drake Weber and Sean Whitfield scored touchdowns as L-P rallied to finish 5-0 for its first undefeated season since 1968.

Medina is 23-28 in six seasons as L-P’s head coach. Medina, who is a special education teacher at L-P, took over the program after serving as an assistant for 13 years.

The Bears will donate $2,000 to the L-P football program.

The Chicago Bears Coach of the Week program, which began in 1996, honors outstanding Illinois high school coaches who develop players’ football skills and knowledge, character, leadership, discipline and teamwork abilities. The nomination criteria includes on-field performance, community involvement and good sportsmanship.