Princeton – The focal point for defenses that oppose Princeton is to slow down or stop Dom Collins. The issue with doing so is it creates more advantageous situations for his teammates.
Friday’s win against Oak Hill was a perfect example as junior running back Marquel Lowe feasted on the Red Devil defense.
For his efforts, Lowe has been named the Week 3 Lootpress Player of the Week by the Lootpress sportswriters.
The award is sponsored by Little General, The Northside Automotive Group, Dutch Miller Auto and The Law Offices of Brandon Steele. The Kanawha Valley Player of the Week winner will be announced Wednesday.
Montcalm’s Jaylen Younger was the winner of the fan vote poll and will advance to the year end Community Choice poll with a chance to win a $500 scholarship.
Marquel Lowe compiled 148 yards and two scores on the ground and added 70 yards and another score as a receiver, making his impact felt almost immediately.
The 70-yard touchdown reception came in an unlikely spot but showed why the Tigers are so high on him.
Facing third-and-15, Lowe caught the ball on a swing pass out of the back field and weaved and bobbed his way through traffic, racing pay dirt 70 yards later.
“I didn’t know it was third-and-15 to be honest,” Lowe laughed. “I was just running and my line was blocking and I saw a bunch of open holes. I just took off.”
As a runner he posed problems for Oak Hill which was committed to double-teaming Collins all evening and even shading a safety to his side as a third defender at times. It helped open holes in the defense for Lowe on the ground as well.
“There were a lot of holes open and I tried to create some,” Lowe said. “I was just running hard and I think that helped make that happen. I was just playing my game and trying to do my best.”
For Lowe it’s his first season as the lead back for the Tigers after sharing those duties with Brodie Rice. Last season Lowe suffered an ankle injury towards the end of the season which held him out and limited his abilities so the goal is to still feed him the ball while managing his touches to keep him ready for another postseason push.
Considering he did his damage on 14 touches, it appears the Tigers have found a healthy balance.
“It’s a pretty big load and sometimes I have to take breaks to stay healthy,” Lowe said. “Last season I got hurt so I try not to do too much.”
Lowe will be honored at the Lootpress Winter Player of the Year Banquet in Dec.
Jaylen Younger, the top overall vote-getter, will advance to the end of the season Community Choice poll where he will have a chance to win a $500 scholarship.
2023 Player of the Week Winners
Week 1: Trey Bowers, Independence
Week 2: Brady Green, Shady Spring
Week 3: Marquel Lowe, Princeton
2023 Community Choice Winners (Will advance to year end poll for $500 scholarship)
Week 1: Jayden Roop, Midland Trail
Week 2: Logan Carver, Montcalm
Week 3: Jaylen Younger, Montcalm
