The Holy Cross H.S., Flushing, football program received two distinguished honors from the New York City Chapter of the National Football Foundation at the annual “Elite Eleven” scholar-athlete awards banquet, held April 23 at the Down Town Association in Manhattan.

Longtime head varsity coach Tom Pugh, above left, received the 2013 Accorsi Award, named for former New York Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi. The award recognizes an individual for outstanding contributions to amateur football.

In 2013, Coach Pugh completed his 41st season at the helm of the Knights. His 212 wins place him among the state’s all-time winningest football coaches.

Holy Cross senior fullback and linebacker Brandon Pelzer, above right, was also recognized as one of 12 exceptional scholar-athletes at the banquet. Each received a $1,000 college scholarship and a commemorative plaque. The foundation judged the recipients based on their achievements on the field, in the classroom and for their leadership contributions in their respective communities.