PERSONAL

Hometown: Erie, PA

College: Indiana PA

Degree: Culinary Arts

Profession: Route Sales Frito Lay

Family: Wife-Jill

               Daughters-Claire, Kennedy, Helene

COACHING CAREER

Years Coaching: 17 (McDowell 13)

2010-2011 McDowell (Defensive Coordinator)

2005-2008 Cathedral Prep (Defensive Coordinator)

1994-2004 McDowell

2002-04 Assistant Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator

2001 Co-Defensive Coordinator

1999-2000 Receivers/Defensive Backs

1998 Freshman – Defensive Coordinator

1997 J.S. Wilson – Head Coach

1994-96 J.S. Wilson – Defensive Coordinator

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PERSONAL

Hometown:  Erie,PA

High school: Strong Vincent 

College: Yale 

​COACHING CAREER 

McDowell - (3RD YEAR)

Strong Vincent 2 years

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BIO

Shawn Carlson has coached at all levels. Started coaching and 1998 in the city youth league. Has continued to coach now for over 20 yrs at freshman, JV, and Varsity levels. Shawn is the proud father of McDowell graduate Jared Carlson.

PERSONAL

Hometown: Chicago, Il
College: Dana College
Degree: Physical Education Minor in Sociology

Profession: Special Education Assistant
Family: Wife-Nicole  

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COACHING CAREER

Years Coaching: 17 - 5th at McDowell

2015-current: McDowell (Receivers)

2012- 2014:  Cathedral Prep (Receivers)

2007-2012:  Gannon University (Running Backs and Receivers)

1994-1996:  Dana College (Receivers)

BIO

Playing Career

1989-1993- Dana College

1994 - Football League of Europe

1995 - NFL workouts- Carolina Panthers/ Chicago Bears

1995 - Canadian Football League- Hamilton Ti-Cats

1996 - Arena Football League - Iowa Barnstormers

2000 - CFL - Toronto Argos

1997- 2007- Indoor Football League

Manny has recently coached Mike Beneski, who is the all-time leading receiver for McDowell.  In June of 2019, Coach Johnson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton Ohio.  

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PERSONAL

Hometown:  Corry, Pa

College:  Edinboro University

Degree:  Education/Accounting

Profession:  Teaching

Family:  Wife:  Donna     

                Children:  Nathan, Hannah, Lucas, Rachel

COACHING CAREER

Years Coaching:  34 (McDowell: 30)

2018:  current  McDowell 9th grade head coach

2014-2017:  Harbor Creek Head Coach

1995-2013:  McDowell 9th grade head coach

1990-1994:  McDowell 9th grade assistant

1986-1989:  McDowell Varsity assistant/JV Head Coach

1985:  McDowell 9th grade assistant

Bio:

Coach Bailey comes back to McDowell after spending the past 4 seasons as Harbor Creek Head Football Coach and Offensive Coordinator.  At Harbor Creek he inherited a team that had won 2 games in 2 years. Bailey led the Huskies to 19 wins over his 4 seasons, culminating in a 7 win season last year.  Coach Bailey has also coached the 2016 Save an Eye contest.

During his tenure as McDowell 9th grade head coach, Bailey never had a losing record and his teams compiled a cumulative record of 134-28.

Besides coaching, Coach Bailey is a respected PIAA wrestling and softball official.

He is also concluding his 30th year as a member of the McDowell

PERSONAL

Hometown: Erie, PA
College: BS, Gannon, marketing

  MS, Edinboro, Educational Leadership

  MS, Gannon University, Educational and Computing Technology

Degree: Education/Marketing

Profession: Teacher / Coach
Family:  Children: Madison, Abigale and Braeden

COACHING CAREER

Years Coaching: 25

2017-2018 McDowell High School Quarterbacks Coach

2014-2016 General McLane High School Offensive Coordinator

2008 – 2013 McDowell High School Head Coach

  2013 7 – 6, Western Quarter Finals

  2012 7 – 6, Western Quarter Finals

  2011 8 – 3, WPIAL Playoff Team

  2010 7 – 3, WPIAL Playoff Team

  2009 8 – 3, Western Quarter Finals

  2008 8 – 4, Western Quarter Finals

2007 General McLane High School Varsity Assistant

2004 - 2006 Central High School · Erie, PA Head Coach

7 – 21 Combined Record

2003 McDowell High School · Millcreek, PA Assistant Head Coach

2002 McDowell High School · Millcreek, PA Special Teams

1999 – 2001 McDowell High School · Millcreek, PA Varsity Assistant

1994 – 1998 McDowell High School · Millcreek, PA Head JV/Var Assistant

Playing Career

Gannon University –

Football – Quarterback/Wide receiver, 2-Year Captain, 3-year Letterman

Bio

Coach Soboleski is in his 3rd stint back at McDowell high School.  He has head coaching experience at both McDowell and the former Central High School.  While a head coach he garnered 52 wins and led multiple teams into the playoffs. Signature wins include Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, Pittsburgh North hills, State College, PA.   He also has extensive experience in the recruiting process and has helped many athletes with the transition from high school to college.

PERSONAL

Hometown: Erie Pa

College: Gannon University

Degree: Special Education

COACHING CAREER

Years Coaching: 1 (McDowell: 1)

Playing Career

McDowell High School 2015-2018

Gannon University 2019-2020
 

BIO

2017 All District Wide Receiver

2017 All Western PA Wide Receiver

2017 All Region Wide Receiver

2017 6A All State Wide Receiver

2017 Single season reception record

2017 Single game receptions, yards, and  touchdowns record holder

2017 Second all time career receptions 

2017 Second all time career yards

PERSONAL

Hometown: Erie, Pa

College: Gannon University

Degree: Education

Profession: Teacher

Family:  Wife-Katie     

               Children-Evelyn, Charlie

COACHING CAREER

Years Coaching: 20 (McDowell: 3rd)

2018-current: McDowell (Running Backs)

2011-2017:      Seneca High School (Head Coach)

2008-2010: Fort Leboeuf High School (Offensive Line/ Defensive Line)

2007: Seneca High School (Offensive/Defensive Asst)

2005-2006: Hickory High School, NC (Defensive Line Coach)

2001-2004: Iroquois High School (Offensive/ Defensive Asst)

BIO

Coach Frank starts his 3rd season at McDowell after spending seven years as the Head Coach and Offensive coordinator at Seneca High School.

He engineered the most potent offense in Seneca High school history averaging 39.0 points per game in 2017.

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The 2017 season also marked the first region football championship in school history.

Dave Frank concluded his stint at Seneca as the 2nd winningest coach in Seneca History (Randy Gunther).

Coach Frank was the head coach of the victorious 2017 NWPFCA North Team as well as the head coach of the winning county squad in the 76th Annual Save An Eye Game.

Notable performances for Trojan Running Backs under Coach Frank's tenure include Dom Ferraro's 5 rushing TDs against Erie High in 2018 and Elijah Lopez with a 238 yard effort against Cathedral Prep in 2019. 

PERSONAL

Hometown: Erie, Pa
Profession: Corrections Officer 2
Family: Wife-Nina
               Sons-Jordan, Christian, Dominic
 
COACHING CAREER
Years Coaching: 15 (McDowell:7)
2014-current:  McDowell (assistant)
2005-2013:  Strong Vincent
2005 (freshman Defensive Coordinator )
2006 (freshman head coach, Offensive Coordinator)
2007-2013 (Varsity, Running Backs/Linebackers)
2014: McDowell
2014 (Assistant Defensive line )
2015 (Defensive line)
2016 (Defensive line, Punt team Coordinator)
2017 (Defensive line, Punt team Coordinator)                                                                                                            2018- (Linebackers, Punt team Coordinator)
 
BIO
Coach Ferraro began his High school coaching career at Strong Vincent HS. During his time with the Colonels the program experienced great success, playing in three Western finals and multiple District 10 titles. Coach Ferraro has coached in numerous all star games, most recently the 2015 North / South game acting as Defensive coordinator.  Since arriving at McDowell HS. Coach Ferraro has coached the defensive line and punt team coordinator . In 2018 coach Ferraro  assumed the duties of Linebackers coach and continues to coordinate the punt team. Coach Ferraro contributes experience, leadership and tireless work ethic to this staff of accomplished coaches. Note: Coach Ferraro was also a PIAA Football referee from 1999-2004.
 

PERSONAL

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
College: BS, Edinboro

  MS, Mercyhurst

Degree: Education

Profession: Teacher / Coach
Family:  Wife-Amy 

                Children-Ellie and Ben

COACHING CAREER

Years Coaching: 16 (McDowell: 7)

2020-current:  McDowell (Co-DC, Defensive Line, KOK)

2017      McDowell (RB’s, KOK)

2015-16 Strong Vincent (Head Coach)

2012-14 Strong Vincent (Defensive Coordinator)

2009-11 McDowell (Varsity D-Line, JV O-line/D-line)

2005-08 Strong Vincent (Varsity D-Line, Recruiting)

PLAYING CAREER

Walsh University –

Football - Defensive End, 2-Year Captain, All Conference,  2 x Executioners Club

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BIO

Coach Spooner is in his 4th year back at McDowell after being the Head Coach at Strong Vincent HS in the programs final two years.  Coach Spooner has coached for many years in the Erie area and has coached on many strong playoff teams both in the WPIAL and D-10.  Coach Spooner has helped lead teams as far as the Quad A Western Finals multiple times and has coached at the highest level of PA football for many years.  He has vast experience as an all-around coach but is most notable for his defense and recruiting. From a recruiting stand point Coach Spooner has helped close to 100 student athletes from all local programs get into college.  He has helped student athletes get athletic scholarships and grants at all levels (D3, D2, JUCO), including multiple Division 1 Athletes at RB, OL, DL, WR, DB. Notable athlete coached James Conner, under Coach Spooner’s tutelage James became McDowell’s All-Time single season sack leader (12) in only 5 games.

PERSONAL

Hometown: Erie, Pa

College: Penn State University

Degree: Education

Profession: Teacher

Family:    Wife-Carleen

              Children-Gianna, Kali and Bo

COACHING CAREER

Years Coaching: 22 (McDowell:  13)

2014-current:  McDowell (Head Coach)

2005-2013:  Cathedral Prep

2009-2013 (Offensive Coordinator/Qb’s/Rb’s)

2008 (Offensive Line/Linebackers)

2005-2007 (Running Backs/Linebackers)

1999-2004: McDowell

2004 (Running Backs/Linebackers)

2003 (Running Backs/Defensive Line)

2002 (Walnut Creek Head Coach)

1999-2001 (Running Backs/Linebackers)

PLAYING CAREER

Penn State

Football (Linebacker)

Baseball (Pitcher)

BIO

Coach Orlando enters his 7th season as the head coach at McDowell, leading the Trojans squads to Five District 10 titles.  The Trojans have been ranked in the top 10 in the state several times and ranked as high as 4th in the state in 2019.  The Trojans have averaged over seven wins since 2014 and have been in the class 6A state playoffs five of the six seasons. 

Orlando was named the NWPFCA District 10 coach of the year in 2013, won a state championship in 2012, and led an offense that scored the most pts. in Pennsylvania history and most passing yards in a state championship game. He was selected to coach the Pennsylvania East West All-Star game in 2019 where they said the record for most points in Big 33 East/West All-Star game history.  The last four quarterbacks under his direction have gone on to play at Michigan State, Penn State, Mercyhurst and Edinboro University. In 2016 alone, 10 players from the McDowell Football team went on to play college football.  The Trojans had 13 players nominated to play in the 2020 Lion’s Club Save an Eye Game.  

HIGHLIGHTS

• Since 2014 the Trojans have produced 9 all-state, 14 All-Western Pa, and numerous All District and Region players

• 2019:  Mike Beneski breaks single seasons receptions record with 48

Receptions in a career with 89

Receiving yards in a career with 1,171

TD’s in a career with 13

• 2019: Chris Juchno completion percentage in a season 63%

• 2019 Justin McGregor yds/punt average 46yds (10 punts in 2019)

• 2019 Lenny McLaughlin 50 extra pts in a season

• 2019 Offense averaged 40pts/game - single season record

• 2015-2016 Qb Levi Becker holds all McDowell single season and career passing records

• 2014 Jake Tarasovitch – rushed and threw for 1,000 yards in senior season ( 4th in D10 history)

• Billy Fessler – 3,300 yards, 45 TD’s and 13-1 record. Led all of PA in points scored that season, PSU QB

• 2012 AAA State Champ

• Damion Terry – 3,700 yards and 62 TDs in 15-0, State Champion senior season, Michigan State QB

• 2009 – Two 1,000 yard rushers, and QB Shyquawn Pullium 1,000 yard rusher and passer

• 2003 Kyle Mitchum, All-American and Ohio State guard

PERSONAL

Coach Orlando was a multi-sport athlete in high school, graduated from McDowell, and went on to play collegiate football and baseball at Penn State University.  He was a linebacker and pitcher for the Nittany Lions. He began his coaching career in 1999 under the leadership of Jon Cacchione, who coached outside linebackers for the Trojans in 2019.

Coach Orlando and his wife Carleen have two daughters, Gianna and Kali, and a son Bo who make it to all the games at Gus Anderson Field.

PERSONAL

Hometown: Erie, Pa

Profession: Marketing & Sales JET 24 & FOX 66

Family: Daughter-Anna

COACHING CAREER

Years Coaching: 12 (McDowell: 1)

2020-current:  McDowell (OLB Coach)

2017:  Harbor Creek (Defensive Coordinator & Quarterback/Linebackers)

2011-2015 Seneca (Defensive Coordinator & Quarterback/Linebackers)

2001-2005 Iroquois (Defensive Coordinator & Quarterback/Linebackers)

BIO

Matt Glass started his coaching career at his Alma Mater, Iroquois High School, under his father, long-time coach Phil Glass. During his five years of coaching at Iroquois as the defensive coordinator, the Braves made the single A playoffs 2 out of the 5 years. In 2011, Coach Glass joined fellow McDowell coach Dave Frank at Seneca High school as the defensive coordinator. In 2014, the Bobcats qualified for the District 10 playoffs for the 2nd time in school history. In 2017, Coach Glass joined fellow McDowell coach Ned Bailey at Harbor Creek as the Huskies defensive coordinator. In 2017, the Huskies qualified for the District 10 playoffs and the Huskie defense ranked 2nd in District 10 AAA in points allowed.

Coach Glass attended Iroquois High School from 1996-2000. Glass was a three sport athlete at Iroquois (football, basketball & baseball).  He received 10 varsity letters, and by graduation he held many defensive school records on the football field.  Glass was a 1st team unanimous All County Linebacker his junior and senior year. On the baseball diamond, Glass was in the top 10 in multiple school records, including career home runs, career doubles and career batting average.  Glass was unanimous 1st team All County Outfielder for the Braves his Junior and Senior year. In 2015, Coach Glass was inducted into the Wesleyville, Iroquois & Lawrence Park Athletic Hall of Fame. 

PERSONAL

Hometown: Erie, Pa
College: Gannon University
Degree: Education

Profession: Teacher
Family:   Wife-Chandra

                 Son-Micah

COACHING CAREER

Years Coaching: 15 (McDowell:  9)

2012-current:  McDowell (Assistant Coach)

2005-2011:  Cathedral Prep

2009-2011:  (Defensive Backs)

2005-2008:  (Wide Receivers/Defensive Backs)

PLAYING CAREER

Geneva

Football (Defensive Back)

BIO

Coach Aaron Slocum (McDowell '98) is entering his 15th season coaching high school football and his 7th consecutive season coaching for the Trojans.  As a player, Coach Slocum played for legendary McDowell Football Coach Ron Rudler and starred as both a Quarterback and a Defensive Back,  Aaron rushed and threw for a 1,000 yards his senior year at McDowell, something only a few QB’s have done in District 10 history. In his junior and senior seasons, the Trojans were undefeated and lost in the western finals. Coach Slocum is currently a Special Education Teacher for MTSD.

With over 40 years of coaching experience, Coach Grack will guide the offensive line during the 2020 season.  Coach Grack previously worked under former Trojan Head Coaches Mark Soboleski, Jon Cacchione, and Ron Rudler.  Considered a bit of a wordsmith, Coach Grack will be in charge of the Trojan big men once again this fall. In 2019, Coach Grack’s offensive line average 7.9yds per carry and just 5 sacks throughout the regular season, District and State playoffs. 

PERSONAL

Hometown: Edinboro, Pa
Degree: Computer Science

Profession: Web Application Development – Millcreek School District

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COACHING CAREER

Years Coaching: 7 (McDowell:  7)

2014-current:  McDowell (Assistant Offensive Line Coach)

BIO

As a former player of the game, Coach Hall was an offensive lineman of the General McLane Lancers AAA State Championship team of 2006.  With the taste of a Hershey Championship, he is eager to get back to the Chocolate Empire with the McDowell Trojans. Coach Hall brings extensive knowledge and firsthand experiences on and off the field to the Trojan offensive linemen.

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PERSONAL

Hometown: Erie, PA
College: BS, Edinboro;   MS, Gannon

Degree: Education

Profession: Teacher / Coach
Family: Wife: Laurie    

              Children: Natalie, Andrew, and Henry

COACHING CAREER

Years Coaching: 10 (McDowell: Varsity 7  Freshman 3)

Bio

A 1994 graduate of McDowell, Coach Bowers will be starting his 3rd season as a freshman coach.

PERSONAL

Hometown: Erie, Pa

College: Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Profession: Owner/operator of M A Forne Construction 

Family:  Wife-Angela 

                Daughter-Grey

COACHING CAREER

Years Coaching: 5 (McDowell: 5)

2016-current:  McDowell

• 2016 Offensive Assistant

• 2017-Current Varsity Defensive Assistant, JV Defensive Coordinator

PLAYING CAREER

Clarion

Football (Wide Receiver)

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BIO

Coach Forne is entering his fifth year at McDowell and fourth as a defensive backs coach and JV defensive coordinator.  In his four years as defensive backs coach he has helped 4 players earn all-district and all-region honors. He helped lead the 2019 McDowell JV team to an 8-0 record. Coach Forne is a graduate of McDowell where he played wide receiver and safety and went on to play collegiately at Clarion University.