Fairhaven Coach Earns Patriots Honor After Incredible Football Run

It's been quite a week for Derek Almeida. Fresh off of his team's Super Bowl win at Gillette Stadium last Thursday night, the Fairhaven High School football head coach received the surprise of his career.

The New England Patriots have named Almeida the Patriots High School Coach of the Year. The award was presented by Patriots Hall of Famer Andre Tippett inside the high school's breathtaking Knipe Auditorium. The award was certainly reflective of Fairhaven's third straight trip to the MIAA Super Bowl, and second championship win.

"To me, it’s a team award," Almeida said. "Our coaches, our kids, our administration, everyone has put in so much work for so many years. We’ve done things the right way, and it allowed our players and staff to be recognized.”

Building a Blue Devils Culture

Almeida emphasized that the program’s success didn’t happen overnight. Incoming freshmen learn immediately that Fairhaven Football demands commitment, preparation, and patience.

“They have to realize how hard it’s going to be, without scaring them,” Almeida said. “But if you put the time in and care about each other, you can accomplish something amazing.”

The coaching staff begins working with players as early as eighth grade through strength training, offseason workouts, and mentorship from older players.

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Mental Side of Football

While Fairhaven has developed physically tough athletes, Almeida believes the mental component is equally important. Formation recognition, play adjustments, and recovering from mistakes all matter just as much as physical ability.

“Football tests you mentally just as much as it does physically,” Almeida said. “People probably don’t realize how much preparation it takes during the week before you ever get to Friday. I think people make a big deal about pregame speeches and halftime adjustments and all that stuff. I don't really think that's what makes us stick. I think it's really the preparation."

Award Day at Fairhaven High

Tippett visited Fairhaven High to personally present the award in front of the team, coaching staff, cheerleaders, administration, and Almeida’s family. “Andre is unbelievable,” Almeida said. “Down to earth, caring, and great with the kids.”

Almeida hasn’t forgotten where he started, but with multiple state titles and a Patriots honor to his name, he has Fairhaven dreaming even bigger for seasons to come.