Head Coach
Education
Wilmington University
M.Ed. - School Leadership - August 2021
M.A.T. - Art of Teaching: Secondary Education 7-12 - August 2008
Rowan University
Graduate Endorsement: Teacher of Students with Disabilities - Spring 2012
Monmouth University
B.A. - History/Political Science Monmouth University - Fall 2006
Minor: Policy Studies
Articles
Ready for 2014 Season - September 2014
Hired as Head Football Coach - Penns Grove High School - May 2014
Hired as Assistant at West Deptford High School - August 2012
Head Coach Bio
John R. Emel came to Penns Grove High School in 2004 as an Assistant Coach under fellow Salem graduate Kemp Carr. A lifelong resident of Mannington Twp. and a graduate of Salem High School (Class of 2002); Coach Emel was Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator from 2004-2011. His Defenses annually ranked as the best in NJ for points allowed, leading NJ overall in 2010 surrendering 26 points total in 9 games. Historic Firsts...include 1st playoff win in school history (2006 1st Round - Penns Grove over Schalick 35-34 OT), the first home playoff game in school history (2008 Semi-Finals Penns Grove over Haddon Heights 14-0), and first championship appearance in school history (2008 Group 1 Finals Glassboro over Penns Grove 28-8).
In 2012, Coach Emel moved to Assistant Coach at West Deptford High School under the leadership of Head Football Coach Clyde Folsom. Coach Emel mentored the Tight-ends, Linebackers, and Kicker as West Deptford went 12-0 to win the NJ South Group 2 State Championship. In 2013 Coach Emel became the Secondary Coach as West Deptford set records for least amount of Passing Yards allowed for season in Program History. West Deptford was 21-1 during Coach Emel's tenure.
In 2014, Coach Emel returned to and accepted the Head Football Position at Penns Grove High School. His teams have qualified for the playoffs every year. Despite playing one of the toughest schedules in NJ for a Group 1 school, he has compiled a 70-41 record through the 2023 season. He led his team to 3 appearances in the Group 1 Finals (2017, 2018, and 2019)...winning the school's 2nd and 3rd championships in 2018 and 2019. His teams have been ranked among the top 10 in South Jersey annually and the program established a new school record 25 game winning streak during his tenure as Head Football Coach.
He has had several players accept full scholarships to play college football. Notable players include Kimere Brown '16 at Temple, Tyreke Brown '19 at Sacred Heart, Nasir Robinson 21' Pace, Zion Cheeks 22' Maine, Janier Armstead 23' Sacred Heart.
Coach Emel also currently serves as President of the West Jersey Football Coaches Association, and is a founder of the Battle at the Beach Football Classic started in 2021. He teaches full time at Penns Grove High School while coaching other sports and supervising the Strength and Conditioning Program year round.
Career Record
Overall - 145-72 (2004-2023)
Head Coach - 70-41 (Penns Grove 2014 - Present)
Assistant - 75-31
21-1 (West Deptford 2012 - 2013)
54-30 (Penns Grove 2004 - 2011)
Career Highlights
2012, 2018, 2019 New Jersey South State Champions
2008, 2017 - New Jersey Finalist
1st Coach in South Jersey History (2nd in State History after Drew Gibbs) to Achieve Perfect 13-0 Season - 2018
Qualified for Playoffs Every Year as Head Coach (10 Years)
Team Led State of NJ in Passing Yards in 2017 (3,128 Yards Total, 260.7 YPG in 12 Games)
Team Led State of NJ in Points Allowed in 2010 (26 Total in 9 Games)
Awards
Richard Wacker Touchdown Club of Southern New Jersey - Coach of the Year - 2018
National Football Foundation Southern Chapter - Coach of the Year - 2019
Brook-Irvine Football Club - Coach of the Year - 2019