Seniors lead CCHS football this year
Coach Bryan Lee's Carbondale Terriers started voluntary weekly workouts last Tuesday, and they will "wash, rinse and spin dry" as they finally get into a football practice routine after pandemic mud soiled their summer and fall pigskin plans.
No games will occur until March, but at least something of a practice can be had between then and now. Also included in that hopeful note is the talented gaggle of seniors that will be present at those weekly practices.
The line will be led by seniors Lance Patton (6-foot-3, 340 pounds) and 6-foot-3, 265-pound Bryant Houston. But special mention goes out to three senior leaders: kicker Macey Davis, quarterback Darius Ragland and middle linebacker Matt Bowlby.
Bowlby and Ragland have definite ability to play their positions at the next level - whether D-II or FCS. Ragland is one of the top three Illinois 5A quarterbacks in the state, according to prepzone.com.
Yet ironically, it is his ability on defense that has attracted the most attention from scouts. Ragland attended SIU's Junior Day last fall for interested recruits (they stand on the sidelines during a home game). He played in the prestigious Texas high school all-star game last winter as a defensive back and had a pick six against Team Japan.
Bowlby already has offers from D-II St. Norbert College and Quincy College but, according to some recruiters, is a sleeper who has the ability to play at least at SIU's FCS level.
"2021 graduate Will Bowlby has to be intriguing to college coaches," says prepredzone.com recruit analyst Jacob Lemming. "The kid has a great frame at 6-5 205 pounds and runs the forty in the 4.6 range while exhibiting great aggressiveness."
With 143 total tackles and an incredible 42 tackles for loss in the last two years, Bowlby could play either linebacker or defensive end at the next level. Last fall, Bowlby also went on a campus football visit to Harvard. Yes, he's smart too. Will has a 3.6 GPA.
Speaking of smart and talented, Carbondale senior kicker Macey Davis also visited Harvard and was on the sideline for a practice. Davis has perfected the onside kick to an art form.
Davis is also very accurate with field goals within 30 yards.
She is nicknamed "Money" by Coach Lee for her kicking proficiency. Davis also has a younger brother, Ian, a sophomore who may develop into a good kicker, too.