Coal City – Heading into his sixth year in Coal City, Independence head coach John H. Lilly had only had the same starting quarterback in back-to-back seasons once and that was in 2018 and ’19 when Phillip Spurlock took the snaps.
Two-time all-stater Trey Bowers bucked that trend when he started last week against Liberty, making his 14th consecutive start dating back to last year’s opener.
He looked every part the veteran Indy needed Friday when he threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns while adding 93 yards and three more scores on the ground.
For his efforts Bowers has been named the Week 1 Lootpress Player of the Week by the Lootpress sports writers.
The award is sponsored by Little General, The Northside Automotive Group, Dutch Miller Auto and The Law Offices of Brandon Steele. The Kanwha Valley Player of the Week winner will be announced Thursday.
Coming into the season much was expected of Bowers. He was one of the few returning starters from an Independence squad that graduated five first-team all-staters from last year’s title team. He knew the team would lean heavily on him early and he answered the call.
“There’s always nerves early,” Bowers said. “I felt pretty comfortable though. I was a little nervous with the team being on your shoulders from a leadership point but I got comfortable and had a first good game.”
Bowers wasn’t the only Patriots that shined on offense with fellow senior Tyler Linkswiler rushing for over 100 yards but Bowers’ other top contributor was a player who backed him up last season, seeing action at QB in blowouts. That player, Sylas Nelson, has taken on a new role as the Patriots’ top receiver early. Nelson caught all six of Bowers’ completions en route to a 203-yard receiving performance.
It was a welcome sight after the pair worked through preseason scrimmages to find a connection.
“All summer we’ve been out here throwing with each other and getting our chemistry down,” Bowers said. “We knew that was the case that we’d have all new receivers so we’d have to get on the same page this summer. That’s really what led to this – the offseason work.”
The win moved Bowers to 3-1 in his career against Liberty with the last three victories coming via shutouts.
Bowers will be honored at the Lootpress Winter Player of the Year banquet later this year.
Midland Trail’s Jayden Roop won the Community Choice fan vote with over 15,000 votes. He advances to the Community Choice poll which will be conducted after the regular season concludes. The winner of that poll will be awarded a $500 scholarship by the Lootpress Foundation.
2023 Player of the Week Winners
Week 1: Trey Bowers, Independence
2023 Community Choice Winners
Week 1: Jayden Roop, Midland Trail
