Joseph Dowkus
- Post by: mcalibrary
- January 11, 2024
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SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT
Joe Dowkus has recently been recognized by the Associated Press AA First Team All State offensive lineman. His achievement marks the 12th consecutive year that a Mount Carmel Area football player has been named to the first team. It also becomes the 14th consecutive year that a Tornado player has been named to an all-state team. Joe was also named a Pennsylvania Football News First Team offensive lineman, as well as being named to the Reading Eagle, Pottsville Republican, Bloomsburg Press Enterprise, and News Item all star teams.
Big Joe broke into the starting lineup in his first varsity game ever as a freshman in a 27-7 win over Pius X in 2002. He would start in every game that freshman season on the way to a 15-0 record and MCA’s 5th State Championship in the 18-13 win over Seton LaSalle. He is one of 7 modern-day players to start in their first varsity game as freshmen. Joe would then start in 47 of 48 varsity games during his four-year career at MCA and would posy a 37-11 record as a Tornado.
Although hampered by nagging injuries during his sophomore and junior seasons, Joe would have a great senior season playing on both sides of the ball. He served as a co-captain to this year’s squad and would provide outstanding leadership to the 2005 team, which included 11 freshmen. During his career, Joe led the offensive lines which would produce over 15,000 yards in offense, almost 900o yards on the ground. He also chipped in with 89 tackles – 18 for loss – and 4.5 sacks in his limited defensive action. Joe will always be remembered for the leadership he brought, both on and off the field. He showed the young freshmen and helped to lay the ground-work for continued success by Tornado teams of the future.
Joe is also very active in school, serving as his Class President as a sophomore, junior, and senir and as Student Council President as a senior. His interests vary from art to music to cars. He plays bass and electric guitar in two groups – Ascension, a heavy metal band, and UnBroken Chain, a classic rock band. He plans to attend Kutztown University and major in art education. He is the son of Janet and Joseph Dowkus.