McDowell Trojans
Coach (season, record): Mark Soboleski (4th season at McDowell, 7th season overall, 23-10 at McDowell, 30-32 overall)
2010 overall record: 7-3
2010 conference record (place): 4-2 (third)
2010 playoff results: Lost 37-21 to Gateway in the District 7 first round.
Top players lost: Colin Kimball, Andrew Bennett, Jeremy Baronner, John Dahlstrand
Top returning players: Greg Garmon, Luke DeHart, Kevin Sorenberger, Mason Giacomelli
Assistant coaches: Brad Whitman, Joe Magorien, Todd Strasenburgh, Kim Parker, Steve Mussone, Chris Spooner, Dave Grack, Kareem Carson
Outlook: McDowell is back to make another run at the District 7 championship this fall. The Trojans suffered some tough losses in Northern Seven play last year and received a low seed in the playoffs. McDowell was close to upsetting Gateway in the first round but couldn’t get past the Gators. The Trojans return with plenty of team speed and chemistry but they are young and inexperienced as well.
McDowell has Division I prospect Greg Garmon back after rushing for 1,225 yards on 141 carries and 11 touchdowns in 2010. Garmon has received numerous Division I offers and is ranked as the No. 93 overall prospect in the country by the Sporting News. Garmon will have a new look backfield to play in with the graduation of fellow running back Jeremy Baronner and quarterback Colin Kimball. Baronner and Kimball leave huge holes for coach Mark Soboleski to fill in camp. Luke Lecce and Jared Koper are the leading candidates to start at quarterback and both could see playing time regardless of who starts.
Luke DeHart takes over for Andrew Bennett on the line along with Kevin Sorenberger and Mason Giacomelli. The three will be counted on the guide a young offensive and defensive line for the Trojans. Josh Meade and Paul Kemper could step into starting roles on the line, while junior Khyre Drayer will look to make an impact on the varsity level.
McDowell starts the season with three straight home games, including rival Cathedral Prep and Seneca Valley, who is coached by former Prep coach Don Holl. The conference schedule is pretty tough on the Trojans this fall. McDowell will host North Hills but have to travel to North Allegheny, Shaler and Butler. If the Trojans can develop their line and find a few replacements at the skill positions, they could be a contender for the conference title.
Schedule
September
2 Cathedral Prep 7
9 Baldwin 7
16 Seneca Valley* 7
23 at North Allegheny* 7:30
30 Pine-Richland* 7
October
8 at Shaler* 1:30
14 North Hills* 7
21 at Butler* 7:30
28 at Altoona 7
Saturday: Meadville
– Tom Reisenweber
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