Scott's Branch star Bowman shines on both sides of ball en route to Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week

After two tough county matchups to open the season, the Scott's Branch football team was looking to get back on track when they traveled to Hannah-Pamplico on Friday. Back facing SCHSL 1A competition, the Eagles soared to a blowout 53-13 victory. In the middle of it all was senior linebacker and utility athlete Nyren Bowman, who powered the defensive effort with 15 total tackles while racking up 97 yards and a score on offense, earning Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week honors in the process.

"It feels good," Bowman said of the recognition. "I saw all the people voting for me on Facebook and everything. It's my first time winning one, so it feels good."

Scott's Branch head coach Pat Fleming is a former linebacker, so he knows what it takes to thrive at the position. That's why he shifted Bowman inside from outside linebacker, so his senior leader could be the heart of the defense. So far, the move is paying off.

"He's really starting to own the inside linebacker position as far as the leadership role, getting everybody lined up and attacking the line of scrimmage. Any time you have 10 solo tackles, you're all over the field," Fleming said. "It was just a matter of reps; I told him that from the beginning. It's different, but it's the same; football is football. Moving from outside to inside, you've got to play a little lower, you're going to be in there with bigger bodies, but once you get used to it, your athleticism will take over. Now, he's starting to feel it instead of thinking about, so he's actually playing at his true speed. We're just looking to keep getting better."

After tough losses to Clarendon County rivals East Clarendon and Manning to open the season, Bowman and the Eagles knew their team was better than their record. Facing off against 1A competition, he knew the Eagles would show just how special they can be this season.

"Me and one of the other leaders on the team, Quintin (Jackson), sat down and had a talk with them. We told them we can't keep losing, we can't go 0-3, we have to get this win," Bowman said. "Based on how we played against those 2A schools, we knew when we played a like opponent in 1A, we'd take over. From here on out, we should dominate 1A."

Bowman was all over the field against Hannah-Pamplico. He finished with 15 total tackles, 10 of which were solo stops. He also made three tackles in the backfield while doing his part to erase the H-P rushing attack.

"Their guards were easy to read," Bowman said simply. "They'd down block and I'd overcommit, and I was getting to the ball every time."

Offensively, Bowman made a major impact with both his ability to catch the ball and how he threw down blocks for his teammates.

"The biggest thing is his blocking; I think he has 10 knockdown blocks so far this season in three games," Fleming said. "He's blocking so well. We have a package for him at tight end; we think that'll be an asset for us. But the biggest thing he's doing is what he's doing without the ball in his hands, the blocking, the leadership skills."

That blocking ability carried into special teams, where the Eagles brought two kicks back for six points. He helped spring Majestic Hatcher for a long return score with a big block, which has become a point of emphasis for Bowman as he pursues the opportunity to play in college.

"That's something that college coaches really want to see, being active at multiple positions on the field, on special teams," Bowman said. "That's why I had to get those big highlights on kick off and kick return."

Through the air, Bowman has continued to develop chemistry with sophomore quarterback Kaleb Minger. On Friday night, they were in lockstep as the senior caught six passes for 97 yards and a score.

"It's starting to get better," Bowman said. "Before the season, we couldn't really time the fades up, but last week he threw me a fade ball for 20 or 30 yards, and that's how I scored my touchdown."

Now, the Eagles just want to keep the good times rolling as they look to make a run to the 1A title game.

"This game really opened everyone's eyes and showed them how good we really are against 1A teams," Bowman said. "A few players might have lost faith, but they picked it back up after that game, and we're trying to do the same this week."