Biography

Patrick McGowan humbly and efficiently quarterbacked North High to a remarkable 30-2 record, including consecutive undefeated Hockomock League and Super Bowl championships as a sophomore and junior.  He did so with a combination of athletic skill and mental toughness, masked by a calm demeanor that belied his tenacity. Patrick’s career 57% completion percentage, 3,376 yards passing, 44 TD passes and only 12 interceptions helped North outscore opponents 1,026 to 347.  He also contributed 549 yards rushing, 9 TDS and several extra points, thus accounting for 278 total points.

Among Patrick’s many “big plays” in “big games” were his option run versus Bishop Feehan and his option pass versus Mansfield.  The Shamrocks had taken the opening kickoff of Patrick’s junior season and marched deep into North territory, when the Big Red defense stopped them on fourth and short.  On North’s first play from their own ten, McGowan ran option left and raced 90 yards untouched for North’s first score, a huge momentum swing and eventual victory.  Later that year, Patrick ran option pass right, looking for fellow Hall-of-Famer Ryan Harney to complete his hitch-and-go along the right sideline.  Certain that he would get hit hard from the front side, McGowan patiently waited then lofted a perfect spiral to Harney, who raced into the end zone for the decisive score.

Patrick remembers the “almost surreal” feeling associated with his first varsity start as a sophomore.  It was the first game ever at Bishop Feehan’s new field, and Patrick’s older brother, Justin, was the starting QB for the Shamrocks.  Although he does not remember many details about the game, Patrick does recall Coach Paul Sullivan’s animated pre-game speech.  Patrick also remembers the excitement associated with North’s last second field goal to cement a 23-20 win over Bishop Feehan and prolong a Big Red winning streak that would eventually stretch to 38 straight games.

For his efforts, Patrick McGowan was selected as a Sun Chronicle All Star and Boston Globe All Scholastic as a junior and senior.  As a senior, he was also selected as a Hockomock League All Star and Boston Herald All Scholastic, and he participated in the Shriner’s All Star Game.  In addition, Patrick earned the Balfour Trophy as the Offensive MVP on Thanksgiving Day, was selected Team Offensive MVP, and he received the Dan Plumb Coaches Award and Scholarship.  

Patrick attended Colby College, where he participated in varsity basketball and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in 2005.  He currently works as an analyst for OmniClaim, Inc. in Winchester, MA.