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JHHS Handley Football Coach Named

JHHS football field

John Handley High School has named Jake Smith as its Head Football Coach.  Smith is a Pennsylvania native and has extensive coaching experience serving as Offensive Coordinator at Brooke Point High School, Defensive Coordinator at Sherando High School and an assistant at Redbank Valley and Derry Area High Schools.  Most recently, Smith has served as the Head Football Coach at Sherando High School, earning two region playoff bids.  

 "We are pleased to name Jake Smith as Head Coach of the Handley Football Program.  Coach Smith has proven to be a dynamic coach and is an outstanding leader of young men.  His teams are always well prepared and organized and Coach Smith cares about his players.  We are excited about the direction of our program and his leadership and technical knowledge will continue to allow our program to become elite.  He will do an excellent job growing and developing students at Handley and beyond,” said Reed Prosser, Handley’s Director of Student Activities. “We look forward to the energy he will bring to our school.”

“We are excited to have Jake Smith become a ‘Judge’ today,” said Principal Susan Braithwaite.  “He brings experience and success with him to our head football coach position. Coach Smith’s ability to work with our students on the field and in the classroom is exceptional.  His emphasis on academics and athletics as well as post graduation opportunities for our students were important in making this decision. We cannot wait for him to experience Handley Pride.” 

Coach Smith said, “I want to personally thank Dr. Van Heukelum, Ms. Braithwaite and Mr. Prosser for the opportunity to be the head football coach at Handley High School. I will strive to build upon the tradition and success that is deeply rooted in this football program. The future for academics and athletics in Winchester Public Schools is bright and I’m excited to be a part of it.  Our program will make the Winchester community proud.”

As a player, Smith was a standout performer for Redbank Valley High School as a quarterback and was a multiple sport star there.  He attended St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA and started at quarterback and tight end, earning multiple accolades. He is a graduate of St. Vincent majoring in history and has a minor in secondary education.  He resides in the area with his wife, Alee and their 4 year old daughter, Molly.  Coach Smith will teach at John Handley High School next fall.