As a junior, Bridgeport High School’s Jake Bowen had quite a year from his tailback spot. In fact, the talented rusher finished the year with 1,916 yards on 222 carries through 13 games.

 

The numbers came out to an impressive 8.6 yards per carry. For good measure he added 26 touchdowns and did all of that despite playing limited in action – and often not at all – in the second half of several games last year.

 

Those statistics helped Bowen earn Class AA all-state honors in 2017 as well as All-West Virginia on the USA Today team. They also helped him earn something else as the 2018 season has begun.

 

On Saturday, Bowen was named to the Gazette-Mail’s preseason All-State football team. The unit represents players regardless of class and Bowen was named to the first team offense as a running back.

 

“He’s earned that and the team has helped him earn that,” said BHS Coach John Cole. “If I’m a lineman that would make me excited knowing that you’re blocking for a guy that if you can get him to that second level, that three or four yard mark, he’s going to inflict some damage.

 

“Jake just had a great year last year through his hard work and the line’s hard work,” Cole continued. “Hopefully, he’s gotten even stronger and we’re going to see some big things from him this year.”

 

Bowen is joined on the first team offensive unit by Fairmont Senior offensive lineman Zach Frazier. On the second team offense, Robert C. Byrd senior Ghovan Davidson is listed at running back and Fairmont Senior’s Antonio Parsons was named as a wide receiver. No other local players were chosen.

 

You can visit wvgazettemail.com for the complete list.

 

Editor's Note: Photo of Jake Bowen by www.benqueenphotography.com.